The governing council of Katsina State Institute of Technology and Management (KSITM) says it has approved the promotion of 17 academic and 16 non-academic staff of the institution.

Muttaka Rabe-Darma, the chairman of the council who made this known at a press conference in Katsina on Sunday, said the aim was to reward excellence and dedication.

Mr Rabe-Darma further revealed that the council during its three-day meeting also confirmed the appointment of eight non-academic staff.

According to him, the decisions taken at the council meeting reflect their forward-thinking vision and determination to create a world-class institution.

He pointed out that some of the decisions include hosting of international conferences to position KSITM as a hub for academic and technological innovation.

“The Council has approved the hosting of the first International conference on the Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Science, Technology, and Mathematics (STEM) Education.

“This event, scheduled for early April 2025, will be organised in partnership with Al-Qalam University and the Katsina State Directorate of Information and Communications Technology (KATDICT).

“Furthermore, the Council has resolved to hold at least two international conferences per academic session to establish KSITM as a centre for global academic discourse.

“The Council has also approved the establishment of a Directorate of Skills Development and Community Services,” Mr Rabe-Darma disclosed.

He said that the directorate would ensure that every student of the institute graduates with at least four skills, comprising both technical and soft skills.

According to him, students would also participate in community service initiatives, aligning with the institute goal of producing graduates who excel in both knowledge and character.

In this regard, he said that the institute would go into partnership with relevant state and federal government organisations that focus on skills development.

The governing council chairman hinted that the position of rector of the institute will be vacant by Dec. 12, adding that in the interim, the Deputy Rector, Dr Hindatu Salisu-Abubakar, would serve as Acting Rector until a substantive appointment is made.

“Additionally, the position of Bursar remains vacant, as advertisements for these positions will be published in accordance with the requirements of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

“This process will proceed alongside our ongoing employment drive, which will be concluded on Dec. 20, 2024.

“The Council has institutionalised staff development initiatives and integrated them with student skills development programmes,” Mr Rabe-Darma said.

(NAN)