Nasarawa Assembly pledges to strengthen higher institutions

The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has assured the managements of higher educational institutions in the state of its readiness to support the State Government to strengthen their operations.

The legislators pledged to collaborate with executive to address the shortfalls of funding and other challenges facing the institutions.

They believe that the synergy would create an enabling environment for effective teaching and learning, as well as to improve the standard of education in the state.

Mr Daniel Ogazi, the Chairman of the Education Committee, made the promise when the management of College of Education, Akwanga, and that of College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Lafia, appeared before it on their 2021 budget assessments.

Ogazi said that the importance of the education sector to human and societal development cannot be overemphasised, hence the need for the committee’s continued determination to address their challenges.

“We will continue to collaborate with you and the state government to address your challenges, ranging from funding, accreditation of courses and accumulation of gratuity, among others.

“This is to uplift the standard of education in the state as well as make the state to measure up as tertiary education is concerned in Nigeria,” he said.

Ogazi commended the managements of the higher institutions for being diligent and committed to shoring up the standard of education in the state.

He however urged them to ensure that students’ welfare, especially in the area of hostels’ facilities, electricity, water system, as well as security, among others, are adequately taken care of.

On their parts, Rev. Jonathan Thani, the Provost, College of Education Akwanga, and Dr Yahaya Musa, the Provost, College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Lafia, while presenting their 2021 budget performances, appreciated the committee for supporting their activities.

They also commended Gov. Abdullahi Sule for prioritising the education sector since his assumption of office.

They, however, enumerated some of the challenges facing their institutions to include funding, inadequate manpower, accreditation of courses and accumulated gratuity.