By Kabir Muh’d Getso
The Federal Government has approved the Federal College of Education, Bichi Local Government Area branch, to run degree programmes as part of efforts to improve the quality of education across the country.
In a statement released to the press by the council’s Information Officer, Jamila Abdullahi Rijiyar Lemo, the Provost of the College, Dr. Bashir Sabo Abubakar, made this known while speaking with journalists in his office at the Federal College of Education (Technical), Bichi.
In his address, Dr. Bashir Sabo Abubakar explained that the development represents a significant advancement in aligning academic programmes at FCE Technical Bichi with contemporary educational standards, which currently offers more than twenty (20) courses.
“In the past, we used to run every NCE program in Nigeria, but for a long time we’ve also been awarding degrees through partnerships with Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi and the University of Jos.
However, in the year 2023, the government of Alhaji Bola Ahmad Tinubu granted approval for colleges to start offering degree programs independently, without the need for affiliation with universities. Now, we are screening candidates who scored 150 and above in UTME to apply and transfer to FCE Bichi.”
The provost further stated that the general public remains the evidence and foundation of the remarkable achievements recorded by the institution, noting that the college currently has the highest student population among colleges of education in the country.
He added that among the major achievements of the institution were the renovation of student hostels that had not been refurbished for over thirty (30) years, the provision of lecture halls, and the renovation of lecturers’ offices. He also noted improvements in academic standards through the organization of capacity-building workshops aimed at enhancing professional competence, teaching skills, and learning methods.
Dr. Bashir commended the Chairman of Bichi Local Government Area, Alhaji Hamza Sule Mai Fata, for his support toward educational development in the area. He also acknowledged the significant contributions of the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the education sector, and praised the Member of the House of Representatives representing Bichi, Alhaji Abubakar Kabir Abubakar, for sponsoring the education of thousands of people as part of efforts to improve their standard of living.
In conclusion, he urged members of the public to actively participate in community development initiatives, particularly in the education sector, which he described as the backbone of societal progress.
“Even if you can sponsor just one person, do it because anyone who benefits from education is the one who will bring about change personally. If you leave a child without education, he will become a problem in the neighborhood.
Whatever needs to be done through committees, at the community level, lawmakers anyone with the means should assist in pursuing education and skill acquisition. It is through this path that society can achieve lasting peace.”