By Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa
The Visitation Panel on Bayelsa State tertiary institutions has proposed the creation of a Ministry of Higher Education to improve oversight and administration of the state’s growing number of higher institutions.
Chairman of the panel, Dr. Oyovwin Osusu, made the recommendation on Wednesday while presenting the panel’s report to Governor Douye Diri at Government House, Yenagoa.
Osusu explained that the expansion of tertiary institutions in the state necessitated a separation from the current Ministry of Education, which he described as overburdened. According to him, a dedicated ministry would streamline policies and enhance structural administration across institutions.
“We have about five higher institutions now, and the Ministry of Education is becoming too cumbersome. A Ministry of Higher Education will ensure better coordination and efficiency,” he said.
The panel also recommended a rotational approach to accessing funds from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) between the Bayelsa Medical University and the University of Africa Toru-Orua to ensure both institutions benefit equitably.
Other sub-panel chairmen who presented reports included Dr. Martina Nwanyanwu (BMU), Prof. Steven Odiowei (Niger Delta University), Prof. Kingsley Alagoa (Bayelsa Polytechnic, Aleibiri), and Prof. Steve Azaiki, represented by Prof. Don Donbebe, for the Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education, Sagbama.
In his response, Governor Diri commended the panel for what he described as a thorough and diligent job, assuring that the recommendations would receive serious consideration.
“The issues raised, particularly the creation of a Ministry of Higher Education, are very important to us as a state. We will carefully examine them,” the governor said.
On the issue of TETFUND support, Diri noted that the challenge facing UAT was rooted in its establishment law, stressing that amending the law would be a more effective solution than rotating funds.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving educational standards, highlighting that the College of Education, Sagbama, which previously lacked accreditation, now has all its programmes accredited.
The governor also pledged to strengthen governance in tertiary institutions by constituting appropriate governing boards and ensuring the provision of facilities for a conducive learning environment.
In a related development, Governor Diri decorated Samuel Debekeme with his new rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police. He also congratulated Bolou Etete and Preye Egbe on their promotion to Commissioners of Police.
The governor praised the officers for bringing pride to Bayelsa State and urged youths to emulate their achievements by taking advantage of government empowerment programmes.
