The Isa Kaita College of Education, Dutsinma in Katsina State has recognised and honoured some distinguished Nigerians for their immense contribution to the college and indeed Nigeria.
The distinguished Nigerians include Dr Maigari Abdu, a former provost of the college, Alhaji Sani Zangon Daura , an elder statement, former minister and traditional title holder in Daura Emirate Council.
Others are the late Alhaji Balanngoggo Mohammed, ‘Yandakan Katsina, District Head of Dutsinma and Executive Secretary of TETFUND, Architect Sunday Echono. The four prominent Nigerians were honoured with fellowship awards.
The award ceremony was held on Saturday, October 12, 2024 at a combined convocation ceremony of the college in Dutsinma.and was graced by the Executive Governor of Katsina State, Dr Dikko Umar Radda
Recall that Dr Maigari Abdu served as provost of the college from 2013 to 2021 and was described as a distinguished Educational leader and academic.
Why was Dr Maigari was honured by the college
He was born on October 23, 1964, in Musawa, Katsina State. He has made significant contributions to Education, particularly in Isa Kaita College of Education Dutsin-ma.
He attended Usman Liman Primary School, Musawa and proceeded to become a complete teacher by obtaining a Grade II Teachers Certificate in 1980 from Teachers College Kaduna and earned Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in 1984 from College of Education Kafanchan.
Maigari also graduated with a second class Upper B. Ed Social Studies from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in 1987 and a Master Degree in Education from University of Lagos in 1990. Maigari capped it all with a PhD in Guidance, and Counselling from Bayero University, Kano in 2012. He also has a Postgraduate Diploma in Management from Bayero University Kano
Dr. Maigari Abdu had the rare opportunity of teaching across all the tiers of Education right from Primary to the University level. He was a classroom teacher in Kankia Local Education Authority from 1980 to 1981, then taught at a Secondary School in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State during his National Youth Service Year.
He proceeded to become a Lecturer at Sa’adatu Rimi College of Education, Kumbotso, Kano State from 1988 to 1994. Eventually, he joined the services of Bayero University Kano briefly in 1995. He ventured into the private sector from 1996 to 2022 where he worked with Muntari Dangana & Co (1996-1999) and International Executive Consult (2000-2002). He rejoined the services of Bayero University Kano in 2003.
At Bayero University Kano, he held various Departmental and Faculty Positions, appointments, and membership of various Committees.
In 2013 he was appointed Provost of Isa Kaita College of Education, Dutsin-ma where he served for two terms; from 2013 to 2017 and from 2017 to 2021.
During his two tenures as the Provost of Isa Kaita College of Education, Dutsin-ma, Katsina State, the following unprecedented achievements were recorded:
Commencement of degree programmes affiliated to Ahmadu Bello University Zaria with Accreditation from National Universities Commission. Presently, about 5 sets have graduated from the programme
All the Courses run by the College have achieved Full Accreditation Status from the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) in the last Accreditation Exercise in April, 2016.
He Organized the first ever Convocation Ceremony in the 30 years history of College
He aggressively redoubled staff development effort, especially study fellowship to boost staff capacities. About 150 staff members were released to pursue higher degrees. This include about 50 for PhD and 51 for Masters Degree. Many have returned now with higher degrees paving way for more development now the dual mode is about to commence.
He made sure all eligible staff members attended National/International Conference/ Workshop either at home or abroad.
All Academic Staff were each, given a laptop computer to facilitate research and teaching.
During his tenure, about 50 giant projects were executed by either TETFund or State Government, a few of which are:
1. Acquisition of 74.34 hectares of land for the expansion of the College
Fencing of the new extension and construction of a gate and gate house
Construction of road network linking the old and new extension site from the old gate to the new gate
Construction and Furnishing a befitting Central Administration Complex
Construction and Furnishing of a Multimedia Laboratory
Construction and Furnishing of a two-storied Academic Staff Complex with 66 self-contained, and air-conditioned offices
Construction and Furnishing of a 2 new blocks for Registry and Bursary Departments
A new 300 seats capacity Auditorium.
Construction and Furnishing of a 1000-bed capacity female hostel
Construction and Furnishing of a 1000-seat capacity ICT Complex
Construction and Furnishing of a comprehensive Health Clinic
Construction and Furnishing of 5 Schools’ Complexes of School of General Education, School of Early Childhood Care and Primary Education, School of Secondary Education: Sciences, School of Secondary Education: Languages, School of Secondary Education: Arts and Social Sciences, School of Adult, Non-Formal and Special Needs Education.
The College IGR was effectively utilized in; constructing the first Directorate of Undergraduate Studies, renovation of more than 60 old structures, (Theatres, Classes, offices, Hostels etc) and a host of Community relations projects.
Dr. Maigari, a rare breed in contemporary clime, has a strong reluctance to accepting Awards that was why, he tactfully avoided most nominations.
However, amongst the few he accepted during the period were:
Merit Award by Teacher Development Programme (TDP) in Nigeria, 2019
Certificate of Recognition by Reading and Numeracy Activity (RANA) FHI 360 Project Nigeria-2018
Award of Honour by Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON) Kano State Chapter
Award of Honour by Katsina State Youth Co-operative Association 2017
Meritorious Award by Sustainable Development Goals, Katsina State 2018
Outstanding Leadership Award by National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS)
Recognition of being gender friendly Institution by Centre for the Development of Leadership with Integrity and Purpose and
Award of Excellence by Women in Colleges of Education (WICE) North- West Zone 2015
