Reviving the lost glory of science colleges in Kano

The then Kano State Ggovernment enacted a law in 1977 which was amended in 1978, to establish Science Secondary Schools Management Board. 

The objective of establishing the board is to produce secondary school graduates that can 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 one at Dawakin Kudu and the other at Dawakin Tofa. 

These schools are strategically located close to Kano metropolitan 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. 

The then government demonstrated its determination by providing class structures, teachers, instructional materials, 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 of human life. 

But the current status of these schools with additional after the first two is in dilapidated condition due to the lack of maintenance from the recent governments. 

The situation now 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, furniture, hostels, classes, and toilets. 

This results in congestion in classes, laboratories, and hostels, and dilapidated conditions of the dining hall. 

But the notion that government alone cannot shoulder the responsibilities and problems of these colleges, is why the umbrella body of the Kano Old Science Schools Students Association, popularly known as KASSOSA intervenes in so many areas with a view to improving the existing situation. 

Currently, records indicated several interventions by the members of 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 have intervened in the schools 16 times. 

The interventions cover the construction of hostels, and toilets, renovation of various infrastructure, and donations of teaching aides, drugs, and computers among others. 

This effort by KASSOSA members made the condition of the schools far better compared to others with no such interventions. 

Last year, many witnessed a fundraising event organised by the KASSOSA national body, where  over N40 million  was raised. 

The money will be used to build the association secretariat and renovations of the schools. 

And in Science College Dawakin Kudu, the class 1981 chapter of the institution single-handedly sponsored the renovation of two laboratories (Biology and Chemistry). 

One must appreciate how the alma mater association of KASSOSA put heads together in ensuring their schools are in better condition. 

It is hoped that such efforts will continue in view of the various competing demands on shrinking government incomes, which more hands are needed to ensure the sustenance of the schools. 

With such effort by any alma mater association, I’m sure the lost glory will be restored.   

Umar Idris Shuaibu sent this piece from Kano