………As Provost Highlights Achievements and Challenges
By Our Correspondent
Federal College of Education, Katsina, under the leadership of Dr. Aliyu Idris Funtua, FIICA, FICA, FCPS, MNAE (Wakilin Malaman Katsina), marked its 27th-43rd combined convocation ceremonies with a press briefing that showcased the institution’s remarkable journey of transformation and achievements.
In his address, Dr. Aliyu Funtua warmly welcomed the Chairman and members of the Governing Council, the institution’s Principal Officers, Management members, staff, students, and distinguished guests from various quarters.
He particularly acknowledged the presence of the press, expressing gratitude for their continued support and coverage.
Reflecting on the institution’s last convocation in 2007, Dr. Funtua expressed immense gratitude to Almighty God for the opportunity to celebrate this milestone. He recalled his ambitious goal upon assuming office in 2016 to elevate the Federal College of Education, Katsina to a world-class institution recognized for its excellence in teaching, research, and service. Dr. Funtua noted the significant strides made in achieving this vision, thanks to the cooperation and dedication of the college’s staff and students.
Upon taking office, Dr. Funtua faced several formidable challenges, including:
- Four years of unimplemented promotions
- Accumulated promotion/PPA arrears
- Disunity and acrimony among staff
- Poor Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)
- Dilapidated buildings
- Inadequate lecture halls and theatres
- Inadequate staffing and heavy workloads
- Poor remuneration for outsourced staff
- Lack of a convocation center and a befitting academic board hall
- Poor road network across the College
- Uncompleted projects
- Broken and uncompleted perimeter fence
- Ill-equipped library
- Poorly furnished and inadequate staff offices
- Short-supplied pharmacy
- Lack of CBT and malfunctioning ICT
- Delay in payment of entitlements
- Analog language laboratory
Despite these challenges, the College has made remarkable progress in various areas, such as:
- Enhancing the quality of education
- Improving Information Technology infrastructure
- Promoting entrepreneurship
- Ensuring environmental cleanliness
- Upholding transparency
- Developing physical infrastructure
- Providing well-furnished staff accommodation
- Offering sports and recreational facilities
- Ensuring decent hostel accommodation for students
- Fostering a positive attitude towards work
- Timely release of students’ results
- Winning laurels for the College
- Provision of clean water and a constant supply of electricity through KEDCO and solar
Dr. Funtua highlighted that all academic programs of the College have been fully accredited by the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), while the degree courses affiliated with Bayero University, Kano, have received accreditation from the National University Commission (NUC).
He also announced plans to run independent Degree programs alongside the NCE program in the near future.
Dr. Funtua also expressed gratitude to all those who have supported the College’s journey since he took office in August 2016. He thanked past and present visitors to the College, the Ministers of Education, the staff of the Federal Ministry of Education, the Executive Secretary of NCCE, and TETFund for their funding and infrastructure support.
He equally acknowledged the support of the Katsina State Governor and government, the former Chairman of the College Governing Council, Dr. Danjuma Sulai, OON, and former Council members.
Furthermore, Dr. Funtua expressed gratitude to his Management team, the Academic Board, the Alumni Association, staff unions (COEASU, SSUCOEN, and NASU), the Student Union Government, Royal Fathers, the Emirate Councils, and various Security Agencies for their contributions to the peace and progress of the College.
In conclusion, Dr. Funtua extended heartfelt thanks to the College community and friends who have invested their time and resources in supporting his administration.
