FUE Zaria VC Appeals to Kaduna Govt for Land to Support Expansion

The Vice-Chancellor of Federal University of Education, Zaria, Prof. Yahaya Isa Bunkure, has appealed to Kaduna State Government to allocate additional land to university to accommodate expanding academic programmes and growing infrastructural needs.

Prof. Bunkure made appeal at opening ceremony of 2026 Primary Education (PED) Week organised by Department of Primary Education under theme "National Development: The Role of Primary School Teachers", where Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, served as chairperson.

He explained university's campus was already heavily built-up, leaving limited space for further development. He recalled institution was formerly Federal College of Education before conversion to university, noting transition had made additional land necessary to accommodate expanded mandate and future growth.

Speaking further, Vice-Chancellor noted existing affiliation programmes with Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, and Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, were being phased out as institution begins to run independent degree programmes. He disclosed university already runs Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) in Primary Education among its independent offerings.

Prof. Bunkure reaffirmed commitment to developing Department of Primary Education, disclosing 2027 nominal roll submission to Federal Ministry of Education and Office of Head of Civil Service of Federation would include request for additional academic staff to strengthen department's manpower.

Emphasising importance of primary education, he described it as foundation of entire education system.

"Primary education is the foundation of all forms of education. Without a good start and a sound background at primary level, you wouldn't get students who can excel in our tertiary institutions," he said.

The Vice-Chancellor also announced his planned participation in National Universities Commission (NUC) delegation to United Kingdom, led by Executive Secretary, Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, for academic engagements with leading institutions including University of Oxford and University of Bristol.

Ceremony was attended by representatives of Kaduna State Government, including Hon. Mukhtar Zubairu, Special Assistant on NGOs, who represented Deputy Governor; guest speaker, Dr. (Mrs.) Owojaiye Abosede Ayobola (née Igunnu); Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Management Services), Prof. K. H. Danja; and Registrar, Mal Shehu Iya Sa'idu.

Other attendees included representatives of Kaduna State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), emirate council, Deans, HODs, academic staff and students.

Prof. Bunkure commended Department of Primary Education headed by Dr. (Mrs.) Lamido Mary Buba for organising event and urged academic staff to sustain commitment to excellence in teacher preparation.