Erstwhile Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufai is to report at the Bayero University, Kano on Monday to resume her position as Professor of Curriculum Studies, she said Friday.
She gave the indication to thousands of enthusiasts who turned out for her homecoming in Dutse, Jigawa State just as Governor Sule Lamido distanced her removal from the Federal cabinet from the ongoing troubles in the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.
Thousands of people thronged the Aminu Kano Triangle and streets leading to the venue to welcome her after her three years stint in the federal cabinet.
Governor Lamido who lauded her for what he described as her spectacular achievements in office said he was proud to have been told by President Goodluck Jonathan that she was a major asset to his government.
Talking to journalists following the reception, the former Minister said: “I plan to go back to my University, I am a Professor in Education in Curriculum Studies and I will report on Monday and then take a brief leave to have a kind of rest, but I am going back to the university.”
Asked if she had any regrets, she said: “This is the fourth time that I am handing over in my life. I have been a Commissioner twice and I have been a Minister twice and it is really not a surprise and depending on what the circumstances may be,” just as she poured commendations on President Jonathan and Governor Lamido for the opportunity to serve.
Lamido in his own remarks at the reception said:“Let me remind us that as Muslims, we were very happy when our sister, daughter, mother and grandmother was picked by our brother President Jonathan.”
Distancing her removal from politics, he said: “Ruqayyatu has discharged her responsibilities as Minister responsibly and I repeat there is no anger or ill feeling because what the President did is within his constitutional powers. We have no pain, no ill feeling.
“He told me he was very proud of what you did,” the Governor said amid outpouring of commendations to the former Minister.
