AS the newly established Niger State University of Education awaits the final inspection and accreditation of its programmes by the National University Commission (NUC), vice chancellor of the institution, Professor Haruna Farouk Abdulraheed, says all that is needed for the smooth take-off of the institution have been put in place as it awaits the NUC’s nod.

  Already, no fewer than 180 lecturers made up of masters and Ph.D degree holders have been recruited ahead of the commencement of academic programmes at the institution, which is the first of it kind in the entire northern Nigeria.

 Abdulraheed, who spoke in Minna while playing host to some staff of the Department of Physical and Health Education of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, led by Professor Florence Adeyanju, disclosed that the NUC accreditation team was expected next month after which the university will be listed in the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) brochure for next academic session.

  The vice chancellor pointed out that the take-off of the school would be made easy because of the existing structure and facilities at the state-owned college of education, which is being converted to the Niger State University of Education.

 Abdulraheed, who said that the establishment of the university would not in anyway affect the existing college of education, as the two institutions would operate side by side.

  According to him, the college had, before the establishment of the university, played host to the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, and Uthman Danfodio University, Sokoto satellite campuses, adding that out of the 23 programmes being offered by the two Universities, 22 of them have been accredited.

 He also informed that the university has concluded arrangements to establish a partnership with the University of Education in Ghana and Malaysia University of Education so as to enhance it ranking among top universities of education in the world. 

  According to him, to ensure the smooth take of all the departments, the university will take delivery of science and laboratory equipment worth N200m before the arrival of the inspection team from the NUC in March.

  In addition to this, the vice chancellor further disclosed that the 1000-capacity fully equipped e-examination centre of the university has been completed and ready for commissioning.

  He also said that the German government and the European Union have also offered to contribute €200, 000 (about N60m) each for establishment of a woodwork technology laboratory in the university. Though the total cost of the laboratory is put at €500, 000(N165million), the university will source for the remaining amount

  In the area of staff welfare, he disclosed that the state government has acquired 100 hectares of land for the construction of residential accommodation for staff members.

  Earlier, ABU team leader, Adeyanju while congratulating the vice chancellor on his appointment said they were in the school to seek for possible area of collaboration between her department and the new university.