Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | Katsina Times
Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic has commenced the accreditation of four academic programmes, with the management pledging to address any shortcomings identified during the exercise.
The two-day exercise began on Monday at the institution's main hall in Katsina, with officials of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), resource persons, representatives of professional bodies, academic staff and other stakeholders in attendance.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Rector, Malam Aminu Kalla Daro, said the exercise would assess the institution's academic programmes, infrastructure, staffing and compliance with regulatory requirements.
He assured the accreditation team of the institution's cooperation, adding that the management was ready to provide the necessary documents and implement recommendations arising from the exercise.
Daro said the institution welcomed constructive criticism, stressing that accreditation was essential to maintaining academic standards and improving the quality of education.
He also called for greater emphasis on practical training, vocational skills and apprenticeship programmes to prepare students for employment and self-reliance after graduation.
Representing the Executive Secretary of the NBTE, Engr. Kolawale said the accreditation exercise was intended to help the institution maintain and improve its academic standards rather than undermine its programmes.
He conveyed the goodwill of his principal, Professor Muhammad Idris Bugaje, to the Governing Council and management, describing the polytechnic as a valued institutional partner.
Kolawale recalled that during a previous accreditation exercise, more than 20 programmes were assessed at the institution, with about 98 per cent securing accreditation.
He expressed optimism that the four programmes currently undergoing assessment would achieve similar success.
He said the team would assess the availability of qualified academic staff, physical infrastructure, teaching facilities and other resources required for effective programme delivery.
The NBTE representative urged the assessors to be objective and professional, acknowledging available facilities while identifying areas requiring improvement.
He also called on heads of departments and other relevant officials to provide all requested documents and information, warning that failure to present the required evidence could affect the assessment outcome.
Kolawale said the exercise would last two days, stressing that cordial relations between assessors and the institution must not compromise established accreditation standards.
He also appealed to the Governing Council and relevant education authorities to increase financial support for the polytechnic to improve its infrastructure and academic facilities.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Governing Council, Lawal Aliyu Daura, urged the accreditation team to produce an objective and unbiased report reflecting the actual state of the institution.
He said the purpose of accreditation was not to shield the institution from criticism but to identify weaknesses and recommend measures to improve academic standards.
Daura stressed the importance of transparency, accountability and integrity in the administration of the institution.
He also called for greater adoption of digital technology in the polytechnic's administrative and academic activities, saying it would improve efficiency, information management and accountability.
The council chairman assured the assessment team that the Governing Council would work with the management to consider and implement appropriate recommendations arising from the exercise.
The accreditation exercise is expected to conclude on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
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