The old Kano State Government enacted a law in 1977 which was amended in 1978 to establish the Science Secondary Schools Management Board.
The objective of establishing the board was to produce secondary school graduates that could qualify for admission into tertiary institutions with the sole aim of producing medical doctors, engineers, technicians, scientists, teachers and other professionals who will sufficiently serve the state and beyond.
Initially, the board established two science schools at Dawakin Kudu and Dawakin Tofa.
The schools were strategically located close to Kano metropolis for easy access to the city by the teachers who were envisaged to be recruited from overseas and equally for their Nigerian and African counterparts of similar backgrounds.
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The then government demonstrated its determination by providing class structures, teachers and instructional materials, an of course students enrolled on merit.
This arrangement has over the years justified the government’s investment with the graduates of these schools being everywhere in Kano, Jigawa and beyond in various fields.
But the current these schools, with additional ones after the first two, are in dilapidated conditions due to lack of maintenance.
The situation is so pathetic, with almost more than two per cent current student population of 423 compared with the 162 initially admitted for the 1977/1978 session, especially with no corresponding improvement in infrastructure.
This results in congestion in classes, laboratories and hostels, and dining halls.
But the notion that government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility and problems of these colleges is why the umbrella body of the Kano Old Science Schools Students Association (KASSOSA) has intervened in so many areas with a view to improving the situation.
Currently, records indicated several interventions by KASSOSA, not only in the first two schools, but for the entire science schools in Kano and Jigawa.
From 2009 to date, 21 out of the 41 class chapters of KASSOSA have intervened in the schools 16 times.
The interventions cover the construction of hostels and toilets, renovation of various infrastructure and donations of teaching aids, drugs, computers, among others.
This effort by KASSOSA members has made the conditions of the schools far better compared to others with no such interventions.
Last year, many witnessed a fundraising event organised by the KASSOSA, where over N40m was raised.
The money will be used to build the association’s secretariat and renovation of the schools.
And in Science College, Dawakin Kudu, the class of 1981 sponsored the renovation of two laboratories (biology and chemistry).
One must, therefore, appreciate KASSOSA for ensuring their schools are in better conditions.
It is hoped that such efforts will continue in view of the various competing demands on shrinking government incomes.
With such efforts, I’m sure the lost glory will be restored.
Umar Idris Shuaibu sent this piece from Kano.
