Bayelsa considers establishing a dedicated ministry for tertiary education

Senator Douye Diri, the Governor of Bayelsa State, has pledged to examine the proposal for establishing a Ministry of Higher Education, as recommended by the Visitation Panel for Bayelsa State Tertiary Institutions.

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The panel, set up by the governor in May last year, submitted its report, which includes a proposal for the creation of the ministry, to Diri, with Chairman Dr. Oyovwin Osusu presenting the findings and recommendations at Government House, Yenagoa, on Wednesday.

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Dr. Osusu noted that the state's growing number of tertiary institutions necessitates separating the supervision of higher institutions from the current Ministry of Education, and that a Ministry of Higher Education would streamline the operational policies and structural administration of the state's tertiary institutions.

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As chairman of the visitation panel to the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Dr. Osusu explained that the panel worked according to its terms of reference and included two additional recommendations, including the creation of a Ministry of Higher Education and the rotational provision of TETFUND between Bayelsa Medical University and the University of Africa, Toru-Orua.

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Dr. Osusu expressed his hope that the government would implement the panel's findings and recommendations, and thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve the state, while also presenting the report on behalf of the panel.

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Other chairs of sub-panels, including Dr. Martina Nwanyanwu for Bayelsa Medical University, Prof. Steven Odiowei for Niger Delta University, Prof. Kingsley Alagoa for Bayelsa Polytechnic, and Prof. Steve Azaiki, represented by Prof. Don Donbebe, for the Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education, also presented their reports.

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Responding to the panel's report, Governor Diri commended the panel for its diligent work and thanked Dr. Osusu and the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, panel for their recommendations, which he described as germane and important to the state.

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The governor promised to review the recommendation for creating a Ministry of Higher Education with his team, and addressed the issue of TETFUND support, explaining that the solution for the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, lies in amending its establishment law rather than rotating funds from TETFUND.

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Governor Diri acknowledged the panel's thorough job and Dr. Osusu's efforts, particularly in raising important issues such as creating a Ministry of Higher Education, and assured that his administration would take a serious look at the recommendations.

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The governor highlighted his administration's priority of providing the basic needs for accreditation and a conducive learning environment in the state's higher institutions, citing the example of the College of Education in Sagbama, which now has all its programs accredited.

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Governor Diri also promised to establish the required governing boards in all the institutions, underscoring his commitment to supporting the state's tertiary institutions.