Kano Deputy Governor Gwarzo Reaffirms Commitment to Higher Education After COPCLIS Honour
By Mustapha Salisu
Kano State Deputy Governor, Comr. Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to strengthening higher education following his recognition with the Award of Distinguished Service by the Conference of Provosts of Colleges of Legal and Islamic Studies (COPCLIS).
Speaking after receiving the honour at the COPCLIS quarterly meeting hosted at Aminu Kano College of Islamic and Legal Studies (AKCILS), today, he acknowledged the infrastructural challenges of the institution, including dilapidated classroom furniture, faulty electrical fittings, and the general state of its facilities.
Gwarzo, who also serves as Commissioner for Higher Education in the State, assured that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration would address these concerns in partnership with the college, adding that sustainable solutions would be prioritised.
He further revealed that the amended law to upgrade AKCILS into a full-fledged College of Education was under review at the Ministry of Justice, and pledged to personally follow up on the process to ensure it is fast-tracked.
“The upgrade would enable the institution to access TETFund and play a more prominent role in the state’s education sector”
“Our government remains fully committed to supporting higher institutions. We see them as engines of human capital development, centers of innovation, and custodians of our moral and intellectual heritage,” Gwarzo Stated.
Also speaking, while presenting the award, newly elected COPCLIS Chairman and Provost of AKCILS, Prof. Balarabe Abubakar Jakada, described Gwarzo’s contributions to legal and Islamic studies as remarkable. He praised the Kano State Government for its interventions, including the renovation of the fire-ravaged college theatre and the sponsorship of the recent NBTE accreditation exercise, noting that the efforts have enhanced the academic standing of the college.
Prof. Jakada also unveiled his agenda as Chairman, which includes creating pathways for Ordinary Diploma holders in Law and Sharia to transition into National Diploma programmes, expanding admission opportunities, and pressing for the inclusion of member colleges in TETFund.
Other dignitaries recognised at the event include Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Commissioner of Education Gwani Ali Haruna Makoda, and Commissioner for Science and Technology Dr. Yusuf Labaran Kofar Mata.
