The Katsina State Government has converted its Institute of Technology and Management into a full-fledged Information Communication Technology University.
The Commissioner for Higher, Technical and Vocational Education, Prof. Abdulhamid Ahmed-Mani, made the announcement at a press briefing on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting, held on Thursday in Government House, Katsina.
“The council agreed to see to the conversion of Katsina State Institute of Technology and Management into a full-fledged ICT University that is of more standard for the benefit of humanity.
“That is in line with the 21st century demand on ICT,” he said.
Ahmed-Mani revealed that the council has formed a five-man committee under his chairmanship to work hand-in-hand with consultants for the realisation of the conversion.
The commissioner said that hitherto, the institute was a diploma awarding institution but the governor wanted to make it one of the best ICT Universities in the world.
He further pointed out that the decision was taken out of the Gov. Radda’s blueprint of establishing an ICT hub in Katsina.
The establishment of the university, he said, would assist in creating a digital economic zone to attract investors on ICT into the state.
Ahmed-Mani also said that the government would pay fees for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) for only one examination in 2024 to candidates who passed the qualifying examination.
According to him, about 82, 000 internal candidates attending public schools passed the qualifying examination.
“The government will pay for examination fees for only one examination, be it WAEC, NECO, NABTEB and NBAIS.
“Student has option of choosing the examination he/she want the government to pay for him/her
“Parents can equally pay for the other examination they want their children to sit for.
“And those candidates who are able to get five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics in that examination, will have their money refunded,” he said.
Ahmed-Mani said that the decision was aimed at boosting education and assisting parents to shoulder responsibility of their children’s education.
