By Abdullahi Jalalludeen
The Kano State Government has recorded significant progress in the establishment of Gaya Polytechnic, with authorities projecting a mid-2026 take-off for academic activities following major expansion and redesign of the institution’s permanent site.
The Chairman of the Implementation Committee for the establishment and takeover of the polytechnic, Professor Mukhtar Atiku Kurawa, disclosed this while giving an update on the project’s status and long-term vision.
Professor Kurawa, an immediate past Vice-Chancellor of a North West university Kano,said the project gained strong momentum on December 3 when Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf formally flagged off construction at the permanent site in Gaya Local Government Area.
According to him, the governor not only laid the foundation but also directed contractors to accord the project top priority, underscoring the administration’s commitment to expanding access to technical and vocational education in the state.
He revealed that a major milestone recorded is the expansion and relocation of the permanent site. While the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) stipulates a minimum of 50 hectares for a public polytechnic, the Kano State Government approved the acquisition of a much larger expanse—almost four times the required size.
He explained that the site was also shifted about 100 metres away from the main road for safety considerations, extending approximately two kilometres along the highway and one kilometre inward.
Professor Warawa explained that the expansion necessitated a complete review of the physical master plan, which is a mandatory requirement for NBTE accreditation. As part of the process, consultants are expected to redesign the master plan after fresh surveys are conducted by the Office of the Surveyor General.
He added that compensation for affected farmers has commenced through the Ministry of Lands and Housing to ensure community support and seamless project execution.
Despite the adjustments causing some delays, the committee chairman assured that work has continued “around the clock.” He noted that engagements with NBTE officials have been positive, with the Board commending Kano State for establishing an additional polytechnic, especially as the state currently has only one public polytechnic compared to some states with multiple institutions.
To ensure early commencement of academic activities, Professor Warawa said the state government has approved a temporary take-off site, where renovation works are ongoing.
The arrangement is expected to allow the polytechnic to begin operations ahead of the completion of the permanent campus. Proposed initial programmes include Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration and Accountancy—courses described as less capital-intensive and fully compliant with NBTE requirements for a balanced academic structure.
He further disclosed that academic and staffing master plans have been developed, including strategies for redeploying existing government personnel and recruiting new staff in line with NBTE standards. Discussions have also been held with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) to ensure that admissions are processed through the Central Admission Processing System, thereby avoiding future challenges for prospective students.
On the projected take-off timeline, Professor Warawa said admissions could commence around the middle of 2026, using results from the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, subject to the completion of accreditation and facilities preparation.
Looking ahead, he described Gaya Polytechnic as a future-driven institution anchored on digital infrastructure and renewable energy. Planned features include solar-powered facilities, smart classrooms, online portals for admissions and results, and strategic collaboration with the Kano State Information Technology Development Agency (KASIDA).
The institution is also expected to run skills certification programmes for artisans and craftsmen under the National Skills Qualification Framework.
“Our vision is to produce job creators, not job seekers,” Professor Warawa said, noting that the polytechnic is designed to serve Gaya, neighbouring local government areas, Kano State at large, and even international students.
He urged the public to remain patient, assuring that the delays are the result of deliberate efforts to build a standard, sustainable and globally competitive institution that will serve generations to come.
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