By Aliyu Usman, Birnin Kebbi
The Federal College of Education (FCE), Gidan Madi in Sokoto State, has matriculated 434 students during its third matriculation ceremony held on Monday at the college premises.
In his address, the Provost of the institution, Prof. Faruq Umar-Zaki, revealed that the college, which commenced academic activities in January 2023, initially admitted 287 pioneer students across various courses.
“Out of this number, 226 students are now in their final year and are expected to graduate in October this year as the first set of graduates from FCE Gidan Madi,” he stated.
Providing a breakdown of current enrollment, the Provost noted that 276 students were admitted in the college’s second academic year, while the new set of 434 matriculants comprises 228 students under the School of Science Education and 206 under the School of Vocational and Technical Education.
Using the occasion to officially induct the new students, Umar-Zaki declared, “By the authority vested in me, I hereby admit all 434 of you as matriculated students of the 2024/2025 academic session.”
The Provost also highlighted significant infrastructural milestones recorded by the college. According to him, in 2024 alone, the college constructed four permanent workshops and eight classrooms for the School of Vocational and Technical Education, four laboratories and four additional classrooms, as well as 24 offices for the School of Science Education. A poultry farm was also built to support agricultural education, alongside the expansion of the internal road network.
Looking ahead to 2025, Umar-Zaki said the college will prioritize equipment procurement for all facilities, including dry farming tools and a tractor. He also announced plans to upgrade ICT facilities to enhance e-learning and facilitate the establishment of a JAMB centre to benefit surrounding communities.
Other developments include the planned upgrade of the Career Services Centre, construction of a sports arena, procurement of additional vehicles for staff transportation, and the enhancement of the college’s solar power and water systems.
Umar-Zaki stressed that these efforts are aimed at ensuring readiness ahead of the September accreditation visit. “Our goal is to meet all necessary standards and secure final approval for the issuance of NCE certificates,” he said.
While commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing education in the national budget and acknowledging the support of TETFund and the Federal Ministry of Education, the Provost appealed for intervention in addressing the college’s staff accommodation challenges.
He also expressed appreciation to the Gidan Madi community and the Sokoto State Government for their unwavering support and hospitality.
In a goodwill message, Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State, represented by the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Isah Maishanu, reaffirmed the state government’s continued support for the college.
Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Abdullahi Adamu, thanked the Federal Government for establishing the college as part of its initiative to expand access to teacher education across Nigeria. He particularly lauded the Sokoto State Government for compensating affected members of the Gidan Madi community and facilitating the college’s take-off in 2022.
Also speaking, the Provost of Shehu Shagari College of Education, Dr. Tambari Umar-Yabo, congratulated the new students and urged them to be dedicated in their studies and uphold the values of the institution.
