KANO POLY RECTOR HAS QUESTIONABLE CREDENTIALS – VISITATION PANEL A visitation panel, set up by Kano state government to Kano Polytechnic, has observed that the academic credentials of its Rector, Professor Yusuf Alhassan, are doubtful, thus, he may not be competent enough to occupy the position. This position is contained in a nine volume report on the Polytechnic’s activities from 2010-2013, presented by the Chairman of the panel, Engr. Dr. A. T. Abdullahi, to the state governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, at Government House, Kano on Wednesday. Presenting the report, Dr. A.T. Abdullahi explained that during the course of its assignment that lasted nine weeks, the panel approached the Rector to present his credentials for verification but instead, he brought forth photocopies of his academic certificates that could not be authenticated, adding that the proof of his Professorship could not be established. The Panel also observed that although N976 was supposed to have been generated from the sale of scratch cards and students registration from 2010-2013, N846 million was not accounted for. It, therefore, advised government to set up a committee to investigate the missing funds. According to the chairman, who is a former deputy governor of the state, the panel was disappointed with the management account in Kano Polytechnic, lamenting that it is on record that out of the N18.5 million collected as Information and Communication Technology (ICT) charges in 2013, only N8.8 million was recorded, which was spent irregularly. Similarly, the N13 million collected as JAMB regularization fees for 2013 was not lodged in the bank but spent irregularly. The panel, he added, further observed that three weeks before the former rector, Yusuf Sule Gaya handed over to the incumbent, Professor Alhassan, in November 2012, the former awarded three contracts worth N267.6 million, while the latter awarded five contracts worth N95 million in 2013, all of which appeared irregular and should be investigated. Other irregularities, Dr. Abdullahi said were payment of unapproved furniture allowances to former the retired rector, principal officers and directors as well as payment of 14 days estacode at 360 US dollars (N54, 000.) daily to the former rector to travel to Saudi Arabia on terminal leave. While lamenting the over admission in many programs of the polytechnic which he said indicated quest for polytechnic education, he recommended that the institution should be split into three and located in three senatorial districts namely, Kano, Gwarzo and Rano. Responding, Governor Kwankwaso assured the panel that the state government would go through all its recommendations and take appropriate action without fear or favour. He thanked the panel members for dedication of their time to investigate the situation of the school.
Posted on: Thu, 23 Jan 2014 20:41:11 +0000