A visitation panel on tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State has recommended the establishment of a Ministry of Higher Education to improve oversight and administration of the state’s growing number of institutions.
The recommendation was presented to Governor Douye Diri at Government House, Yenagoa, by the panel chairman, Oyovwin Osusu.
According to the panel, the increasing number of tertiary institutions in the state makes it necessary to separate their supervision from the Ministry of Education to ensure efficiency and better policy coordination.
Osusu, who also chaired the panel on the University of Africa Toru-Orua, said the proposed ministry would streamline operational policies and strengthen institutional governance across higher institutions.
He noted that the state currently has at least five tertiary institutions, making the existing structure under the Ministry of Education too broad and cumbersome.
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The panel also recommended a rotational arrangement for intervention funds from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund between the Bayelsa Medical University and the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, to ensure equitable access to funding.
Other sub-panel chairmen who submitted reports include representatives from Niger Delta University, Bayelsa Polytechnic, Aleibiri, and the Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education, Sagbama.
Responding, Governor Diri commended the panel for its thorough work and described the recommendations as relevant to the state’s development goals. He assured that the proposal for a Ministry of Higher Education would be carefully reviewed by his administration.
On the issue of TETFUND support, the governor explained that the University of Africa, Toru-Orua faces legal constraints tied to its establishing law, noting that legislative amendments would be required before accessing such funding.
Diri reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving higher education, stating that efforts are ongoing to secure accreditation for programmes, upgrade infrastructure, and create a conducive learning environment across institutions.
He added that governing councils would be constituted for all state-owned tertiary institutions to strengthen their administration.
In a related development, the governor decorated Samuel Debekeme with his new rank as Deputy Commissioner of Police and congratulated Bolou Etete and Preye Egbe on their promotion to Commissioners of Police. He praised the officers for their service and urged Bayelsa youths to emulate their achievements.
