ASUU Kicks As Kano Moves to Take Over Hospitality Institute

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Adefioye Iyunade

 The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Kano State University of Science and Technology (ASUU-KUST) branch has expressed dismay over the decision of  the Kano State Government to take over the Hospitality and Tourism Institute (former Daula Hotel), contained in a letter dated Friday, Nov. 15, 2019.

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In a statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Union, Muhammad Sani-Gaya and Murtala Muhammad, it said that the action would be inimical to the  educational development of the state.

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“This action is a breach of the university autonomy as enshrined in the University Law and the University (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Act 2003,” it said.

The Union said the university was running courses which include: Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB); Pre-Degree, Diplomas in Tourism, Hospitality among others at the institute.

It added that the University Senate had also approved Part-Time Degree Programmes for 2020/2021 academic year as well as proposed Bsc Hospitality, Tourism and Transportation at the institute.

“The union call on the government to reverse the idea of commercialising facilities meant for public purposes especially institution of learning,” it said.

Reacting, the state’s Commissioner for Higher Education , Dr Mariya Mahmood-Bunkure, said the state government has not taken a final decision on the issue.

Mahmood-Bunkure, in a Short Message Service (SMS) to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said that, “I was with ASUU KUST Branch yesterday (Thursday) in my office. We had discussion on the matter.

“I told them what I know is that government has not given approval to any investor. And we have learnt that the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council is going to meet with the Visitor of the institution. So, I think we should await the outcome of the meeting.”