Academic Staff Union of Universities, Kano State University of Science and Technology has begged the state government not to take over its Hospitality and Tourism Institute, Daula.

The call plea was made via a statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Union, Muhammad Sani-Gaya, and Murtala Muhammad respectively, where it said that the action would be detrimental to the educational development of the state. It read:

“ASUU expresses dismay on the Kano State Government decision regarding the taking over of the Hospitality and Tourism Institute (former Daula Hotel), contained in a letter dated Friday, Nov. 15, 2019.

“This action is a breach of the university autonomy as enshrined in the University Law and the University (Miscellaneous Provisions) Amendment Act 2003.”

The Union reiterated that the university was running courses which such as Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB); Pre-Degree, Diplomas in Tourism, Hospitality among others at the institute adding that the University Senate had also approved Part-Time Degree Programmes for 2020/2021 academic year and has proposed Bsc Hospitality, Tourism, and Transportation at the institute.

In response to the government’s decision, the stamen reads:

“The union call on the government to reverse the idea of commercialising facilities meant for public purposes especially institution of learning.“

The state’s Commissioner for Higher Education, Dr. Mariya Mahmood-Bunkure, while reacting to the call said the state government is yet to take a final decision on the issue.

Mahmood-Bunkure, in a Short Message Service (SMS) to newsmen, said that:

“I was with ASUU KUST Branch yesterday (Thursday) in my office. We had discussion on the matter.

“I told them what I know is that government has not given approval to any investor.

“And; we have learnt that the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council is going to meet with the Visitor of the institution. So, I think we should await the outcome of the meeting.”