The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has formally inaugurated the Implementation Monitoring Committee for public universities in the country.
In his opening remarks during the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, the minister was saddled with the mandate of overseeing the Needs Assessment Fund for Nigerian public universities.
According to him, the committee will be overseeing the implementation and monitoring of the Presidential Policy Assessment Fund for public tertiary education institutions, with a specific focus on universities.
He explained that the committee was established following extensive consultations and agreements with university unions with a view to supporting the comprehensive development of Nigerian universities through improvement in infrastructure, procurement of equipment, and the enhancement of human resources to ensure the institutions operate in line with global standards.
To achieve the objectives, the minister disclosed that an initial disbursement had been made under the Fund, marking the beginning of a substantial annual investment aimed at boosting the nation’s tertiary education sector
Mamman lamented that the delayed inauguration of the committee had impeded access to remaining funds from the Ministry of Finance but assured that efforts were ongoing to confirm the status and availability of the outstanding funds.
Expressing confidence in the committee’s capability, the Minister expressed optimism that the committed would fulfill its mandate and significantly contribute to the advancement of Nigerian universities.
Earlier in his remarks, the ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, canvassed the need to revamp Nigeria’s education system, noting that proper funding would have prevented most Nigerian students exploring education opportunities outside the country.
He charged the government for improved oversight and resource management to ensure quality education in public universities in the country.
Also, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Executive Secretary, Arch. Sunday Echono, advocated branch-level budget monitoring committees to enhance transparency and accountability in fund utilization.
He elaborately spoke on the existing disconnects and ways to strengthening internal oversight for the benefit of the nation’s university system.
