18/08/2025
REJOINDER TO THE STATEMENT BY HESFO ON THE ALLEGED REMOVAL OF HAUSA LANGUAGE AT SHEHU SHAGARI UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, SOKOTO.
The attention of the management of Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto (SSUES) has been drawn to a press statement issued by a group identified as the Concerned Hausa Ethnic Stakeholders Forum (HESFO), in which it was alleged that the University has removed the Hausa Language and replaced it with Fulfulde in its academic structure.
While we welcome constructive engagement and value every stakeholders concern, it is imperative to address the inaccuracies contained in the said statement and to call attention to the need for thorough fact-checking before making public pronouncements that may cause unnecessary misunderstanding or tension.
For the avoidance of doubt, the academic development framework of Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto is publicly documented and guided by the Academic Brief Volume 1, June 2021. Specifically, *Pages 63-80* of the document clearly outlines:
"The 5-yearly phasing plan for the development of the Academic structure of Universities stipulated by the National Universities Commission shall be adopted for Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto. Thus, faculties, departments and programmes of the University shall be established in 4 phases covering a period of 20 years. Each phase is characterized by the establishment of faculties, departments and programmes in accordance with national needs, university capacity, and relevance to the development of education."
The crux of the matter is Hausa and many other subject are coming in the second phase of development of the University in conformity with the academic structure of Universities as adopted for Shehu Shagari University of Education, Sokoto and approved by the National Universities Commission. In the same vein many Subject/Programmes, Departments/Faculties will spring up within the life span of 20 years of the development plan.
Nowhere in the Academic Brief is there any provision for the removal of Hausa Language as an academic discipline, nor any indication of it being replaced by Fulfulde. Both Hausa and Fulfulde, being indigenous languages of national and regional importance, are duly recognized within the long-term academic planning of the University, subject to phased implementation as per NUC guidelines and resource availability.
It is important to emphasize that academic programme development in Nigerian universities is a regulated process, undertaken with rigorous planning, approval, and phased ex*****on. The misrepresentation of this process only undermines genuine efforts at promoting inclusive and quality education.
We respectfully urge HESFO and other well-meaning groups to verify facts from Official University Publications or engage with the institution directly for clarifications before releasing public statements. Constructive dialogue, rather than misinformation, will better serve our shared goal of promoting educational development that reflects our diverse linguistic and cultural heritage.
The University remains committed to its mandate of providing quality teacher education, promoting cultural diversity, and serving as a model for academic excellence.
