The Forum of Former Staff of the former Katsina College of Advanced Studies (KCAST), College of Advanced Studies (CAS), Kaduna S...
The Forum of Former Staff of the former Katsina College of Advanced Studies (KCAST), College of Advanced Studies (CAS), Kaduna State Polytechnic, Zaria (KSPZ), and Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Zaria (NBPZ), has commended the Rector of Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Engr. Dr. Mohammed Kabir Abdullahi, FNSE, for recognising and honouring retired staff and former principal officers of the institution.
The commendation was made during the forum's second reunion meeting held at the Polytechnic's Conference Hall on Saturday, October 10, 2026, in Zaria, Kaduna State.
In his report, the Chairman of the Coordinating Committee, Alhaji Suleiman Aliyu, praised the Rector for approving the reunion, personally hosting the event, providing refreshments, and recognising the contributions of former staff and principal officers to the growth and development of the institution.
He described the Rector's gesture as a demonstration of respect for the Polytechnic's history and an assurance that the sacrifices and years of service of retired staff had not been forgotten.
Aliyu also commended members of the forum for sustaining its activities since its maiden reunion in 2025, particularly through visits to sick members, support for bereaved families, celebration of members' achievements, and assistance to colleagues facing difficult circumstances.
In his welcome address, the Rector, Engr. Dr. Mohammed Kabir Abdullahi, paid tribute to former rectors, principal officers and retired staff for laying the foundation upon which the Polytechnic's development and achievements were built.
He described the reunion as an opportunity to celebrate the institution's shared history, strengthen bonds among former colleagues and recognise individuals whose dedication contributed to its growth.
The Rector noted that retirement did not diminish the importance of former staff, adding that their experience, institutional knowledge and contributions remained valuable assets to the Polytechnic and future generations.
Dr. Abdullahi expressed appreciation to the Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, for his support and interventions in the academic and infrastructural development of Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic.
He disclosed that the state government's funding had facilitated accreditation and reaccreditation exercises covering seven categories of academic programmes, including National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND), Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and Professional Diploma in Education (PDE).
According to him, the exercises covered eight new ND programmes, 10 new HND programmes, 21 existing ND programmes and 22 existing HND programmes, alongside five new NCE programmes, the reaccreditation of four existing NCE programmes, and accreditation of the PDE programme.
The Rector said the developments had increased the institution's first-year admission capacity to 11,120 students across its ND, HND and NCE programmes, with an overall capacity of 22,240 fresh and continuing students.
He also acknowledged the governor's interventions in the renovation and rehabilitation of facilities across the Polytechnic's main and annex campuses.
The facilities include male and female hostels, the e-library building, the School of Applied Sciences Complex, the School of Communication and Information Technology Complex, sections of the main campus perimeter fence, IJMB classrooms, the annex campus clinic, the School of Management Studies and laboratories.
Dr. Abdullahi further highlighted government initiatives aimed at improving staff welfare and expanding access to education.
These include a 50 per cent reduction in school fees, scholarships for students, extension of the retirement age for Polytechnic staff to 65 years, implementation of CONPCASS and CONTENDISS salary structures for academic and non-teaching staff respectively, regular payment of salaries, timely release of monthly overheads, and recruitment of additional staff to support the 24 new programmes.
He added that the governor had also pledged to implement the Federal Government's Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA).
The Rector expressed confidence that continued support from the state government would further strengthen the Polytechnic's capacity to provide quality technical and vocational education.
The Rector also acknowledged the contributions of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, Iyan Zazzau, to the development of the Polytechnic and the welfare of its community.
He listed the provision of a 110KVA solar power system, 400 solar streetlights and approximately 5,000 bags of rice as part of the Speaker's interventions.
He also mentioned proposed projects, including the construction of a skills centre at the annex campus and a 500-seat auditorium.
The forum, through its Coordinating Committee Chairman, equally expressed appreciation to the Speaker for providing palliatives to its members amid prevailing economic challenges.
The reunion reaffirmed the forum's commitment to maintaining unity, strengthening relationships and promoting the welfare of former staff members.
Members were encouraged to sustain communication, support colleagues facing health and personal challenges, remember deceased members and maintain cordial relationships with the leadership and management of the institutions they had served.
The forum also emphasised the importance of preserving institutional history and ensuring that the contributions of retired staff continued to inspire future generations.
The meeting concluded with prayers for the continued well-being of members, the peaceful repose of departed colleagues, and sustained development for Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic, Kaduna State and Nigeria.
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