ASUU kicks against ‘take over of institute’ by Kano govt

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at the Kano State University of Science and Technology (KUST) has asked the state government to reverse any of its decision to take over the Hospitality and Tourism Institute in Daula.

Muhammad Sani-Gaya and Murtala Muhammad, the union’s chairman and secretary respectively, issued a statement saying the action would be inimical to the educational development in Kano.

“ASUU expresses dismay on the Kano state government decision regarding the taking over of the Hospitality and Tourism Institute, contained in a letter dated Nov. 15, 2019,” the statement read.

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

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

The union also said that the varsity was running courses like Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB); Pre-Degree, Diplomas in Tourism, Hospitality among many others at the institute.

It added that the university’s senate had approved part-time degree programmes for 2020/2021 academic year as well as proposed BSc. Hospitality, Tourism and Transportation at the institute.

Reacting to the union’s call, Mariya Mahmood-Bunkure, the state’s commissioner for higher education, hedged that the state government had not given a final decision on the issue.

“I was with ASUU KUST branch on Thursday in my office. We had a discussion on the matter. I told them what I know is that the government has not given approval to any investor,” Mahmood-Bunkure said.

“And; we have learned 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”.