Ever since the proposal to establish the Kano State Polytechnic Printing Press from a portion of the Department of Printing Technology became public, and we expressed our strong disagreement with the idea, several discussions have followed.
Our position was never driven by hatred for development or opposition to improving the department. Rather, it was shaped by the manner in which the department and its staff have been sidelined whenever decisions of this nature are taken.
One example that readily comes to mind was the appointment of a senior lecturer from another department to head the committee overseeing the printing of examination answer sheets.
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In many cases, such appointees would come to the department at their convenience and issue directives without consulting the Head of Department, let alone other members of staff.
Their authority came from above, and that often left the department’s own leadership and staff with little say in matters directly affecting their work.
It was this attitude, among other concerns, that made us oppose any arrangement that would place colleagues from other departments in charge of the proposed Kano State Polytechnic Printing Press.
However, several calls from different people have added new perspectives to the discussion even though on personal basis.
One of those calls came one evening from a fine, serious and highly respected gentleman. He was a former colleague who occupied an office close to mine during my years in service. Although I am no longer with the institution, I still hold him in high regard.
His views gave me another perspective on the issue.
More importantly, our telephone conversation provided some insight into the sincerity behind the proposed project.
He also promised to link me with one of those responsible for implementing the proposal so that I could better understand what the management intends to achieve.
I am still waiting for that call. The person I am expecting his call is also someone I respect and hold in high esteem. I believe he would not support any arrangement capable of damaging the morale of staff or weakening the structure of the Department of Printing Technology.
Ibrahim Sabo’s Contribution
It was against this background that the written contribution of Ibrahim Sabo on the proposed establishment of the Kano State Polytechnic Printing Press came to my attention.
He was my lecturer in 1987 and later facilitated my entry into Kano State Polytechnic in 2004 as a part-time DTP tutor.
He was also a former lecturer in the Department of Printing Technology. He served as the department’s Head of Department and later became Director of the School of Technology before rising to the prestigious position of Deputy Rector of Kano State Polytechnic.
His professional experience is extensive. He was a former staff member of Triumph Publishing Company and later served as Managing Director of the Government Printing Press.
He also worked with the Ahmadu Bello University Printing Press before ending his career at Kano State Polytechnic.
These experiences give him a deep understanding of printing technology, printing press management and the challenges facing the profession.
His contribution, titled “Polytechnic Press: An Opportunity to Strengthen, Not Weaken, Printing Technology Department,” therefore deserves serious attention.
Ibrahim Sabo is not an outsider speaking about a department he does not understand. He is a professional who has worked in the department, led it, managed printing establishments and served in the leadership of the Polytechnic.
For this reason and many others, I believe his position provides an important perspective in the ongoing discussion. With his wealth of experience in the field, his recommendations, if carefully considered and followed, could provide the needed solution to the situation at hand.
Strengthening the Department, Not Weakening It
I agree with the central message of his contribution: the proposed Polytechnic Press should be an opportunity to strengthen the Department of Printing Technology, not weaken it.
The establishment of a modern printing press is not, in itself, a bad idea. In fact, it could benefit the institution and provide valuable practical training for students.
The real concern is how the project will be implemented.
Will it provide the department with modern machines and equipment?
Will it improve the practical training of students?
Will the department receive the infrastructure and support it has lacked for years?
Will its staff be properly involved in the management and operation of the press?
These are the questions that deserve clear answers.
The Department of Printing Technology should not lose its machines, equipment or space in the name of establishing a printing press without receiving something better in return.
If management is genuinely committed to the project, then the department should be upgraded, not reduced.
New machines should be provided. Existing facilities should be renovated. Additional infrastructure should be developed where necessary.
The proposed press should become a centre of practical training, professional development and revenue generation for the Polytechnic.
It should not become another arrangement in which the department is bypassed while decisions affecting its future are taken elsewhere.
A Call for Understanding
Our disagreement with the original proposal was based on experience and concern for the future of the department.
We do not oppose development. We oppose any development that weakens the institution it claims to serve.
At the same time, we must be willing to listen when people with experience offer different perspectives. Ibrahim Sabo’s contribution has provided an opportunity for that.
His position deserves consideration, and the management of Kano State Polytechnic should carefully examine the concerns raised by staff and the suggestions contained in his contribution.
The future of the Department of Printing Technology should not be decided through suspicion, exclusion or unilateral action.
It should be shaped by consultation, transparency and a genuine commitment to improving the department.
That is the kind of Polytechnic Press we should all support.
