By :Comerade Bashir A Bashirโ
โAs Associate Professor Sunusi Ahmad Yakubu prepares to conclude his tenure as the Provost of Kano State College of Education and Preliminary Studies (KCEPS), his remarkable journey stands as a shining example of leadership, vision, and tireless service to education in Kano State and beyond. Since assuming the mantle of leadership in 2017, Prof. Yakubu has steered the college through a new era of growth, reform, and recognition, turning KCEPS into a beacon of excellence.
โLAYING THE FOUNDATION: BUILDING ON THE LEGACY OF LEGENDS
โUpon his appointment by the former Executive Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Prof. Sunusi Ahmad Yakubu was challenged to articulate his vision for the college. He responded with a strong commitment to consolidationโbuilding upon the solid foundation laid by his predecessors, including revered names such as Malam Saโeedu Gwarzo, Prof. Ibrahim Umar, Late Malam Abubakar Imam, Malam Abdulhamid Hassan, Malam Tijjani Ibrahim, AT Abdullahi, Saโeedu Zakari of Garun Babba, Dr. Kabir (former Head of Service), and Prof. Sani Lawan Malumfashi, whom he succeeded.
โGuided by the vision to consolidate and expand, Prof. Yakubu initiated a robust process to reform the structure and academic framework of the institution. One of his most notable achievements was the transformation of the College’s name and legal framework from CAS to KCEPS. This institutional rebranding paved the way for the issuance of authentic and recognized NCE certificates, a milestone that had been long overdue.
โHISTORIC ACADEMIC AND INFRASTRUCTURAL ADVANCEMENTSโ
โA key focus of Prof. Yakubuโs leadership has been addressing long-standing gaps in the collegeโs academic and administrative systems. For the first time in its history since its founding in 1972, major legal, academic, and infrastructural reforms were actualized. These included the introduction of a dual deputy provost structureโDeputy Provost for NCE and Deputy Provost for CECโto ensure efficient governance and specialization.
โThrough his leadership, KCEPS attracted massive support from TETFund, resulting in the construction of new, modern buildings and facilities. These interventions broke a long-standing stagnation that saw the college fall behind despite having produced distinguished alumni such as former Kano State Governor Sen. Kabiru Ibrahim Gaya, former Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Naโabba, former Jigawa Governor Ali Saโadu Birnin Kudu, and the Former DSS Director General Magaji Bichi, among others.
โHUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT: INVESTING IN STAFF AND STUDENTS
โProf. Yakubuโs leadership was not only about infrastructureโit was deeply rooted in human development. He prioritized the advancement of lecturers and academic staff, facilitating overseas and local training opportunities. Today, many lecturers have earned advanced degrees, with over 50 benefiting from scholarships and study grants.
โLecturers pursuing masterโs degrees now receive between โฆ1.2 million to โฆ1.5 million, while those studying for PhDs receive as much as โฆ4.5 millionโan unprecedented development in the collegeโs history. Additionally, over 50 lecturers have participated in local and international conferences, including training programs at ASCON in Lagos, helping to enhance their academic and administrative capacity.
โThe Train the Trainer program has sent staff abroad, including to the United States, to acquire global best practices in education.
โDigital Revolution And Community Expansion
โUnder his watch, KCEPS embraced technological advancement with the introduction of e-learning facilities that allow students to access academic materials and lectures online. Furthermore, he spearheaded the creation of an Annex Campus, expanding the collegeโs outreach and presence within the state.
โUnderstanding the challenges rural students face, Prof. Yakubu secured Amana College in Kunchi Now (Ghari College of Education) as a study center, where over 100 students where then enrolled in NCE Programs. Furthermore The college then operates hostels that accommodate more than 360 students, creating an inclusive and accessible learning environment.
โEmpowering Youths And Supporting The Community
โRecognizing the changing dynamics of youth interest and the increasing cost of living, Prof. Yakubu initiated vocational training programs, including weekend tailoring classes for students without formal education. These programs aim to empower youth with practical skills to support themselves economically. Discussions are underway with the Kano State Government and local authorities to scale up these initiatives.
โImportantly, his administration also ushered in the Association of Students Unionโa structure that has strengthened student representation and engagement across the college.
โA Champion Of Social Justice
โTrue to his roots in activism and social development, Prof. Sunusi Ahmad Yakubu has been a strong ally of student leaders and comrades. He has provided scholarships to many orphaned youths and financially disadvantaged students, enabling them to achieve their dreams of formal education. His door has remained open to those in need, reflecting his belief in education as a right, not a privilege.
โA Leader Departing With Honor
โAs his tenure comes to an end, Associate Professor Sunusi Ahmad Yakubu leaves behind a legacy of transformation, compassion, and service. He didnโt just lead KCEPSโhe elevated it. Through vision, integrity, and a commitment to justice, he has written a bold chapter in the history of education in Kano State.
โThe second part of this compelling conversation with the outgoing Provost is on the wayโstay tuned.
Indeed, heroes donโt only lead; they inspire generations.
โ
