News Agency of Nigeria
NTI hosts maiden National Education Quality Assurance Policy Committee meeting
Education

NTI hosts maiden National Education Quality Assurance Policy Committee meeting

By Hussaina Yakubu

The maiden edition of the National Education Quality Assurance Policy Committee meeting is currently underway at the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), Kaduna.

The meeting organised by the Federal Education Quality Assurance Service Department of the Federal Ministry of Education, billed to hold from Sept. 2 to 4.

The theme of the meeting is: “Improving Education Quality Assurance Policies, Processes, and Practices in Nigeria.”

The Minister of Education,  Mr Tunji Alausa, who inaugurated the meeting on Wednesday in Kaduna, described it as timely and paramount.

Alausa was represented by Abel Enitan and Ayodele Samson, Permanent Secretary in the ministry, and  Director/Coordinating Evaluator, Federal Education Quality Assurance, Kaduna State Office, respectively.

He emphasised that it’s time to move beyond merely ensuring access to education and focus on the quality of education.

The minister said the committee was conceived not as another bureaucratic framework, rather a strategic intervention to reposition Education Quality Assurance, as the cornerstone of Nigeria’s national educational agenda.

“We are here to review, refine, and revitalise the policies, processes, and practices that govern how we ensure quality at the basic and secondary levels of education,” he said.

He said the focus in the future must be on harmonising regulations and standards across the education sector.

According to Alausa, this is to strengthen monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, as well as planning to leverage technology for real-time data collection and analysis.

This, he said, would ensure inclusiveness and accessibility of quality assurance to basic and secondary education institutions, especially  in underserved areas.

Also, Adegboye Adekunle, Director, Federal Education Quality Assurance Service Department, said the establishment of the committee marked the culmination of an extensive peer review, stakeholder engagement, and robust deliberations.

He said the exercise aimed at addressing the foundational pillars of Nigeria’s educational system, and identified disparities in learning outcomes as some of the challenges in the sector.

The director stressed the need for curriculum modernisation, teacher quality and welfare, infrastructure deficits.

Adekunle highlighted the urgent need to align education with 21st-century skills such as critical thinking, creativity and digital literacy.

He said the meeting would provide strategic direction, oversight, and technical leadership in the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of a comprehensive quality assurance framework for all levels of education in Nigeria.

”Together, let us build an education system that we can all be proud of-one that nurtures talent, fosters innovation, and drives national transformation.” 

Also, Prof. Sadiya Sani-Daura, Director/Chief Executive Officer, NTI, said the deliberations would yield valuable insights and strategies to strengthen the country’s quality assurance framework.

Highlights of the event featured paper presentations by resource persons and technical sessions.

The meeting is being attended by representatives of the FCDO/PLANE, Quality Assurance Directors from various states, and other stakeholders. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

 

NGO inaugurates committee for breast cancer care
Health

NGO inaugurates committee for breast cancer care

By Aderogba George

Project Pink Blue (PBB), a leading cancer care NGO, has inaugurated a multidisciplinary steering committee for the Women Empowering Women Breast Cancer Navigation and Technology Programme (WEW-BCNaP).

The NGO’s Project Manager, Ms Ejemole Nwanna, said in Abuja on Friday that the programme, supported by AstraZeneca, aims to transform breast cancer care in Nigeria through technology and patient navigation.

She said the initiative will empower patients and retired nurses to navigate Nigeria’s complex healthcare system, ensuring timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and improved access to quality medical services across communities.

According to her, WEW-BCNaP promotes early detection, reduces emotional distress, and enhances treatment outcomes, creating a stronger culture of survivorship and prevention for women diagnosed with breast cancer in Nigeria.

Nwanna named steering committee members to include Dr Tracy Battaglia, Co-chair and Associate Cancer Centre Director, Yale Cancer Centre, U.S., and Olushola Akapo, a breast cancer survivor and advocate.

Others are Mr Runcie Chidebe, Co-chair and Executive Director, PPB Health and Psychological Trust Centre; and Dr Usman Malami Aliyu, Director-General, National Institute of Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT).

Also on the committee are Monica Dean, Director, Patient Navigation Programme Development, AONN+, U.S.; and Prof. Ifeoma Okoye, Founder, Breast Without Spot (BWS) and Professor of Radiation Medicine, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Other members include Dr Uche Nwokwu, National Cancer Control Programme; Pharm. Okwesileze Christine, President, OPPAN; and Laurie Tauriainen, Oncology Nurse Navigator, Baylor Scott and White Medical Center, U.S.

The list also features Dr Maria-Chidi Onyedibe, Clinical Psychologist, University of Nigeria; Nurse Nana-Hauwa Lawal, National Hospital, Abuja; and Nurse Nanre Mampak, Occupational Health Nurse Manager, AMCE.

Mrs Mary-Gloria Orji, President, NEPICIN, and Mrs Oguntoyinbo Dorcas, patient advocate and researcher, were also named among members to provide expertise in patient support and cancer advocacy.

Nwanna expressed confidence that the committee’s expertise would help WEW-BCNaP address the specific needs of Nigerian breast cancer patients and deliver lasting improvements in care and outcomes. (NAN)

Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Tosin Kolade

Wike inaugurates committees on river park estate, land use abuse
Metro

Wike inaugurates committees on river park estate, land use abuse

By  Philip Yatai

Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Friday inaugurated two committees to address the land issues at River Park Estate and abuse of the land use act in FCT.

Wike, while inaugurating the committees in Abuja, described the two issues as “very important” in streamlining the activities of the FCT Administration on emerging land matters.

He said that the River Park Committee would be chaired by the General Counsel/Secretary, Legal Service Secretariat and acting Director, Public Service as secretary.

He pointed out that sometimes the government gives out letters of intent to those who declare interest to develop mass housing.

According to him,  the FCT Administration always signs MoUs with estate developers, adding,  however, that in most cases, the clauses in the agreements end up being violated.

The minister explained that the river park estate committee was inaugurated to look into the land issues in the estate and advise the FCTA on the necessary steps needed to correct the anomalies.

He said that the committee has two weeks to conclude the assignment, adding that there would be no extension of time.

“So, if it requires you to sit from morning till night, may it be so. We will not delay,” he said.

Wike advised the committee to carry out the task with utmost professionalism and warned the members against giving in to internal or external influence.

“If I hear that somebody has interest, be it from outside or be it from the FCTA, particularly Abuja Geographic Information System (AGIS) and the administration department, you know the consequences of it.

“If there’s any department that’s trying to stop you from getting information, let me know on time,” he said.

The second committee was on the review of land uses/purpose clauses of land and properties at locations overtaken by commercial and other activities.

It will be chaired by the Director, Development Control, with Director, Urban and Regional Planning as Secretary.

Wike explained that the Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) always indicates the purpose for usage, which could be for commercial, residential or other uses, in line with the provisions of the Abuja Master Plan.

“Today you find out that all those provisions were being violated without prior approval from the government.

“You will see people with C of O, whose purpose is for residential, but turned to commercial. This, of course, is a violation of the certificate that was issued,” he said.

The minister explained that the committee would identify all those areas that were in violation of the use of the C of O given to residents, as the case may be.

He said that the area could be in the Central Business Area, Maitama, Asokoro, Garki, Wuse I, or Wuse II, as the case may be.

“Having identified them, you have to recommend to the government what appropriate steps to be taken in compliance with extant guidelines.

“This is very, very important to us. Are you going to say outright revocation for not complying with the provisions in the C of O or there would be a penalty if they asked for conversion and pay the appropriate fee?

“The committee has two weeks to deliver on the task and come up with a robust recommendations of what the government is to do.

“Like I said earlier, this job has to be done without outside or inside interference,” he said.

Wike said that the move was necessary for the public to know what the government was doing to address the anomalies in land use in th FCT.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other members of the river park estate committee included Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Lands, Urban and Regional Planning and Deputy Director, Land.

Others are Director, Security Services Department, Director Development Control, and Director, AGIS.

For the committee on the review of land uses/purpose clauses of land and properties at locations overtaken by commercial and other activities, the members included Director, Land Administration and Director, Surveying and Mapping.

Others are Director, AGIS, and Director, Engineering Services. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Reps Committee probes alleged desertion of Nigerian miners in CAR
General News

Reps Committee probes alleged desertion of Nigerian miners in CAR

By Sarafina Christopher

The House of Representatives Committee on China-Nigeria Parliamentary Relations has launched an investigation into a viral video showing some stranded Nigerian workers in the Central African Republic (CAR).

 

This is contained in a statement issued by the Chairman of the Committee, Mr Jaafaru Yakubu, on Wednesday in Abuja.

 

The workers alleged in the video that they were abandoned by a Nigerian businessman, who is purportedly linked to a Chinese company.

 

The stranded workers accused the businessman of withholding their passports, failing to pay their wages, and leaving them in difficult conditions in a remote area of CAR.

 

Yakubu described the situation as deeply regrettable and assured the public that a thorough investigation was underway to uncover the facts surrounding the incident and ensure accountability.

 

“The committee wishes to inform the general public that Abdulrauf Ademola is not affiliated to the Chinese Embassy or the China General Chamber of Commerce.

 

“His actions or inactions should not be linked to the Embassy or Chinese enterprises doing their legitimate businesses in Nigeria.

 

“China-Nigeria relations have flourished over time, yielding significant results across key sectors such as trade, investment, infrastructure, technology, human capital development, and people-to-people partnerships,” the statement said.

 

It urged the media to always report China-Nigeria relations in a fair, balanced and truthful manner to reflect the solidarity and the existing mutual relationship between the two countries.

 

The businessman at the center of the allegations, Abdulrauf Ademola, has since denied the claims.

 

In a public statement, he refuted the accusation of passport seizure, non-payment of salaries, and desertion of the workers.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government on Tuesday confirmed the rescue of the stranded workers.

 

The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, in a statement, said the workers had been successfully rescued and were currently in the custody of the Embassy of Nigeria in Bangui.

 

He also lauded the Nigerian Embassy officials and the Government of the Central African Republic for the successful operation.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Alausa inaugurates research committee, targets N50m grant for tertiary education
General News

Alausa inaugurates research committee, targets N50m grant for tertiary education

By Funmilayo Adeyemi

The Federal Government has inaugurated a high-powered Ministerial Committee that will drive the commercialisation of research outputs from the country’s tertiary institutions.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, while inaugurating the Research and Innovation Commercialisation Committee (RICC) in Abuja on Wednesday, said the initiative would bridge the gap between academia and industry.

This, he said, would also turn homegrown research into commercially viable products and services.

The minister added said the development aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda of transitioning Nigeria from a resource-based economy to a knowledge-driven one.

“Nations that have achieved sustainable development and global competitiveness have done so by investing in knowledge creation and, more importantly, in effective commercialisation of research outputs,” he said.

Alausa explained that the ministry, through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), had already rolled out several impactful projects to boost research, including the provision of central multipurpose laboratories, alternative energy for campuses and medical simulation centres.

Acknowledging that in spite of vibrant academic community and decades of groundbreaking research, the country still struggles to scale innovations into real-world solutions.

He said “the weak link between academia and industry has limited our ability to reap the enormous benefits of research. This committee will serve as a strategic bridge between both worlds.

“The commercialisation of research outputs will not only generate revenue for institutions and researchers but will also enhance Nigeria’s self-reliance, improve the innovation index, and attract international investments,” Alausa noted.

The minister also announced a N50 million Student Grant Venture Capital Initiative to support scaling student-led enterprises in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

According to him, the scheme will be anchored by TETFund in partnership with the Bank of India.

“This will target undergraduate students in 300-level and above with viable business models and innovations ready for market expansion.

“We have hundreds of thousands of young geniuses across our institutions. This fund is designed to unlock their potential and help them build globally competitive enterprises,” the minister said.

Responding, the Committee Chairman, Dr Tayo Aduloju, CEO, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), outlined the RICC as “a matter of national urgency.”

Aduloju noted that Nigeria’s research investment as a percentage of GDP is among the lowest when compared to peer nations.

He added that “if Mr President’s ‘Nigeria First’ policy is to truly drive transformation, then innovation capital must lead the charge.

“The private sector has been disconnected for too long. We are committed to building institutional linkages that last beyond this Committee’s lifespan.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the committee was chaired by Aduloju.

Other members are Prof. Ibrahim Katampe, Dr Umar Bindir, Prof. Sydney Ibeanusi, Dr Detoun Ogwu, and representatives from the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, the Bank of Industry, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), and Nigerian universities, among others. (NAN)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Senate constitutes 18-member committee to oversee emergency rule in Rivers
Politics

Senate constitutes 18-member committee to oversee emergency rule in Rivers

Committee
By Naomi Sharang

The Senate has set up an 18-member committee to oversee the implementation of emergency rule in Rivers, following the suspension of democratic government in the state.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, made the announcement at the resumption of sitting on Tuesday after the Easter recess.

Akpabio stressed the need for a committee like that of the House of Representatives for oversight of the functions of the Sole Administrator and the Rivers State Government under emergency rule.

He named the chairman of the committee as the Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, and the Deputy Minority Whip, Sen. Rufai Hanga.

Other members are: Sen. Adamu Aliero (PDP- Kebbi), Sen. Osita Izunaso (APC-Imo), Sen. Osita Ngwu (PDP-Enugu), Sen. Kaka Shehu (APC-Borno), Sen. Aminu Abbas (PDP-Adamawa) and Sen. Adetokunbo Abiru (APC-Lagos).

Sen. Adeniyi Adegbonmire (APC-Ondo), Sen. Sani Musa (APC-Niger), Sen. Simon Lalong (APC-Plateau), Sen. Asuquo Ekpeyong (APC-Cross River), Sen. Adams Oshiomhole (APC-Edo) are also members.

The remaining members are: Sen. Ireti Kingibe (LP-FCT), Sen. Onyekachi Nwaenboyi (APC-Ebonyi), Sen. Idiat Adebule (APC-Lagos), Sen. Ede Dafinone (APC-Delta) and Sen. Mohamed Maidori (APC-Jigawa), while Mr Charles Bala will serve as the Clerk/Secretary of the committee.

“If there is need to review, it will be after further consultations with our colleagues. But in the meantime, they have to get to work immediately,” Akpabio. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Wale Sadeeq

Wike directs IBB Golf Club committee to commence work immediately
Sports

Wike directs IBB Golf Club committee to commence work immediately

By Philip YataiThe Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyeson Wike, has directed the newly appointed members of the Interim Management Committee of the Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (IBB) Golf Club to commence work immediately.

Mr Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant to the minister on Public Communications and Social Media, announced the directive in a statement in Abuja on Sunday.

Olayinka explained that the committee would be chaired by Dr Peter Deshi and Yomi Oyelola as secretary.

He identified other members of the committee as Otunba Elegbeleye, Nanwor Mamven, Mrs Ekanem Ekwueme, Arabi Bello, Lawan Aboki, Okey Nnaedozie, Fred Otobo and Julius Fadairo.

He, however, said that the committee would function under the supervision of the club’s Board of Trustees, led by Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, President of the Court of Appeal.

“The minister had emphasised the FCT Administration’s commitment to restoring order and efficiency to the prestigious club, which had recently experienced internal challenges.

“The minister also clarified the ownership status of the club, reiterating that it remained the property of the Federal Capital Territory Administration,” he said. (NAN)

Edite by Peter Amine

Emergency rule: Reps inaugurates 21-member ad-hoc committee to oversee Rivers govt.
Politics

Emergency rule: Reps inaugurates 21-member ad-hoc committee to oversee Rivers govt.

Committee

By Ikenna Osuoha
The House of Representatives on Tuesday inaugurated a 21-member ad-hoc committee to oversee the caretaker government in Rivers during the state of emergency.

Speaker of the House, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, said that the inauguration of the committee was in line with Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

While reaffirming the National Assembly’s commitment to transparent governance in Nigeria, Abbas urged the committee to be non-partisan and impartial.

“Today’s inauguration of the 21-member ad-hoc committee on Rivers State reaffirms our constitutional commitment to transparent governance.

“Empowered by Section 5 of the State of Emergency (Rivers State) Proclamation 2025 and pursuant to Section 11(4) of our Constitution, this committee has a clear and non-partisan mandate,” he said.

According to him, the committee is to monitor the implementation of federal directives and policies in Rivers, ensuring that the caretaker administration adhered to the law.

The speaker said that the sensitivity and gravity of the assignment could not be over-emphasised, describing it as a litmus test for the committee members’ commitment to democratic principles and constitutional governance.

“The importance of the assignment places a considerable burden on the chairman and all members, as every action taken will be subject to national scrutiny,” he said.

Abbas urged the committee members to conduct their oversight with highest level of impartiality and monitor every aspect of the caretaker administration in strict accordance with the constitution.

“Beyond mere oversight, your work must actively support efforts to restore lasting peace and re-establish a fully functioning democratic system in Rivers State.

“You are called upon to interface with federal agencies, security institutions, and any reconciliation initiatives that may be established, fostering trust among all stakeholders in the process,” he said.

The speaker emphasised that the national assembly’s intervention in Rivers was not an instrument of political vendetta but a constitutional necessity.

He explained that it was the collective duty of the legislature to safeguard peace, security and rule of law in the state.

Abbas said any time that any state house of assembly was unable to perform its functions by reason of the situation prevailing in that state, the national assembly could make laws for the peace, order and good government in such state.

While commending President Bola Tinubu for rising to the occasion in Rivers, in accordance with section 305 of the constitution, he said it was a display of responsible leadership.

The speaker charged the Sole Administrator, Retired Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas to be highly transparent in the discharge of his duties, saying that his government is temporary.

Responding, Chairman of the committee, Rep. Julius Ihonvbere, thanked the speaker for rising to the occasion.

Ihonvbere, a professor and House Majority Leader, promised not to fail the national assembly and Nigerians at large in the discharge of their mandate.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that members of the committee include: Ali Isa, Deputy Chairman, Isiaka Ibrahim, Idris Wase, Aliyu Betara, Sada Soli, James Faleke, Igariwey Enwo, Shehu Rijau and Wole Oke.

Others are: Akarachi Amadi, Patrick Umoh, James Barka, Alex Egbona, Isa Anka, Amos Daniel, Erhiatake Ibori-Suenu, Onuh Onyeche, Fatima Talba, Chris Nkwonta and bibake Enenimiete. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

Long detention: Committee calls for Justice minister’s urgent intervention
Judiciary

Long detention: Committee calls for Justice minister’s urgent intervention

By Ebere Agozie
The Working Group on the Legal Status of Inmates in Correctional Centres has urged the Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi to intervene in cases of inmates who have stayed beyond the maximum period of imprisonment in detention.

Mr Olawale Fapohunda (SAN), the Facilitator of the group, made the call during the presentation of a report to the minister on Wednesday in Abuja.

Fapohunda noted that the first report of the group was set up to audit the legal status of inmates and has the mandate to investigate cases that are inconsistent with Section 35 of the 1999 Nigeria’s Constitution (as amended).

“This report provides a comprehensive review of the audit of the legal status of inmates in selected custodial centres in Nigeria.

“The audit exercise was carried out between January 13 and March 14 2025 which the process includes physical visitations to the custodial centres as well as interaction with inmates.

“Our mandate was mainly to focus on the legal status of inmates that have been kept in detention for a longer period than the maximum period of imprisonment prescribed for the offence.

He said that the group identified two distinct categories of inmates; inmates in remand for non capital offences who, after being arraigned, their cases were caught up by the slow judicial process and would require the active intervention of the State Ministries of Justice.

“The second category was those inmates remanded for capital offences, including terrorism.

“In one custodial centre, we discovered at least seven inmates remanded for offences relating to terrorism who have been on remand for upwards of 10 years from date of detention.

“We were unable to find any record that showed that they were brought before any court since the date of their detention’’.

Fapohunda also said that several inmates are kept in detention for periods longer than the maximum period of imprisonment prescribed for the offence because they do not have legal representation.

He noted that although the Legal Aid Council is mandated to provide free legal services to inmates without legal representation, it is presently under resourced and thus barely able to make significant difference.

“There were also inmates with life-threatening ailments who required urgent medical attention, the cost of which was outside the budget of the Correctional Services.

“There are also several minors, including those whose ages as stated on their warrants of detention were incompatible with their physical outlook’’.

He, however, noted that the findings of the working group have been subject of a number of previous interventions at the Federal and the State levels.

“The challenge has always been the absence of coordinated and sustained solutions at the Federal and State levels.

“The group noted the cynicism with which many of the remand inmates viewed the presence of the working group.

“They simply did not believe that this exercise will change their situation. In one particular custodial centre, many of the inmates decided to boycott the exercise.

“The group had to rely on documentations from the Correctional Services and the Courts.

“ It is for this reason that the group resolved to identify key concerns on a state-by-state basis, accompanied by a draft letter, signed by the Attorney-General of the federation to each State Attorney- General urging their offices to take action,” he said

The group recommended that the minister should convene a meeting of the Body of Attorneys-General, with a view to achieving a coordinated response between federal and state governments on the legal status of all inmates including but not limited to those who have overstayed without trial.

Responding, Fagbemi said the group was constituted as part of the mandate of his office to ensure access to justice and ensure that persons are not unduly detained in custodial centres.

“This is crucial to achieving the standards we have set for ourselves in our effort to reform our criminal justice system.

“The vision of Mr President is for a criminal justice system that maintains law and order, deters crime, punish offenders, while at the same time strives to rehabilitate those offenders in order to facilitate their recovery and reintegration to society.

“A common objective of these reforms is to provide sustainable solutions to the issue of inmates spending unreasonable periods in detention, enhancing conditions in correctional centres and facilitating treatment.

“Rehabilitation and re-integration of inmates. While some progress have been made in varying measures, the reality is that we still have much to do.

“I must state that laws by themselves will not solve this problem. The solution, in my view, lies in the active intervention and collaboration of federal and state institutions with a mandate on criminal justice delivery’’.

The minster expressed his concern about the inadequate resourcing for the Legal Aid Council which is a critical institution in the quest to facilitate access to justice.

“Enhanced funding for the council will be consistent with governments’ stated goals of affirming the rights of all Nigerians irrespective of social situation or economic status.

“Consequently, my office will intensify efforts aimed at achieving additional funding for the council’’, he added.

Mr Aliyu Abubakar, the Director-General of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria expressed his appreciation for the opportunity given to the council to be part of the data collection exercise of inmates in our correctional facilities nationwide.

“The outcome of the exercise has been an eye opener even for us at the council. The sheer volume of inmates without Legal Representation is to say the least, disturbing especially for Inmates who are accused of capital offences.

“This lack of legal representation has not only resulted to over-crowding of the facilities by Awaiting Trial Inmates (ATI), but also contributed immensely in the denial of the suspects their Fundamental Human Rights as envisaged by the Constitution.

He, thereafter, appealed that the council be considered whenever the opportunity arises for Supplementary Budget by the government.(NAN)
edited by Sadiya Hamza

NASS committee seeks enhanced security, power infrastructure in tertiary institutions
Education

NASS committee seeks enhanced security, power infrastructure in tertiary institutions

By Naomi Sharang

The National Assembly joint committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund has called for urgent measures to address security and power challenges in tertiary institutions in the country.

Chairman of the joint committee, Sen. Muntari Dandutse, made this known in a statement in Abuja, as a fallout of a retreat organised by the National Assembly in collaboration with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

The retreat had as its theme “Security and Energy Challenges in Nigeria’s Tertiary Institutions”.

According to Dandutse, the rising tide of insecurity and the persistent energy crisis in tertiary institutions demand immediate and focused attention.

He said that the landscape of our educational institutions was fraught with challenges.

“These challenges threaten not only the safety and well-being of our students and faculties, but also the very integrity of our educational mission.

“As a committee that is saddled with the responsibility of oversight of tertiary institutions, we cannot fold our hands and watch idly, the deteriorating state of our institutions.

“We feel legally, morally and conscientiously obligated to rise up to occasion with a view to addressing this menace.

“However, the recent surge in violence, kidnapping, and other security threats has created an environment of fear and uncertainty thus undermining the core functions of these institutions.

“Our students and educators deserve an environment conducive to learning and research, free from the spectre of insecurity.

“And this, we are poised to achieve by providing an enabling environment through legislative frameworks that would guarantee a level playing ground”.

Chairperson, House Committee on TETFund and other Services, Rep. Miriam Onuoha called for improved measures to tackle the security measures on campuses.

Also, Chairman of the Board of TETFund, Aminu Bello Masari, said that the fund would create a new budget intervention line aimed at addressing the pressing issues of security and power in Nigeria’s higher education sector.

Masari underscored the pivotal role that education played in the nation’s development and the urgent need for improved funding in the sector.

“Threats to security and inadequate power supply pose significant risks to the stability and success of our higher institutions.”

“These issues not only jeopardise the safety of students and staff but also negatively impact academic performance and the overall functioning of institutions”.(NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

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