The Kano State Government has reverted the name of its state-owned university, Yusuf Maitama Sule University, to its original designation, Northwest University. This decision was made during the 21st Council meeting of the Kano State Council, held on November 29, 2024.
The university was renamed Yusuf Maitama Sule University in 2017 by the Ganduje administration to honor the late elder statesman, diplomat, and political icon, Yusuf Maitama Sule, who passed away on July 3, 2017. The renaming was part of efforts to recognize his contributions to the state and the nation.
In a statement by Sunusi A. Kofari Naisa, Public Relations Officer of the State Ministry for Higher Education (MHE), the government announced the establishment of the Yusuf Maitama Sule College of Education and Advanced Studies in Ghari Local Government Area.
“The institution is modeled after existing colleges such as the Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso College of Education in Tudun Wada and Mallam Aminu Kano College of Legal and Islamic Studies,” the statement noted. It further explained that the new college would focus on enhancing teacher training and advanced studies within the state.
To formalize these developments, the government has directed that relevant bills be forwarded to the Kano State House of Assembly for legislative approval.
Additionally, the Executive Council approved an extension of the retirement age for professors in universities from 65 to 70 years. Academic staff in other higher institutions will now retire at 65 instead of 60. This reform is aimed at improving staff retention and ensuring continuity in higher education.
