From Shuaibu Zubair Tatu Birnin Kebbi
The Kebbi State Government has released over N2.07 billion for interventions in tertiary institutions across the state to strengthen facilities and improve the welfare of staff and students.
The Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Isah Abubakar-Tunga, disclosed this while briefing newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
The commissioner said Governor Nasir Idris had recently inaugurated the distribution of seven 32-seater, fully air-conditioned coaster buses to seven state-owned tertiary institutions at a cost of N1.75 billion.
The beneficiary institutions are Abdullahi Fodiyo University of Science and Technology, Aliero; Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu; Kebbi State College of Nursing Sciences, Birnin Kebbi; Kauran Gwandu College of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences, Ambursa; College of Health Sciences and Technology, Jega; Kebbi State Polytechnic, Dakingari; and College of Advanced and Legal Studies, Yauri.
According to him, the buses are intended to enhance mobility, improve staff and students’ welfare, and create better learning conditions across the institutions.
Abubakar-Tunga further disclosed that on August 14, Governor Idris approved and released N172 million for the payment of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) and Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance (CONTTA) to the ASUU, SSANU, NASU and NAAT chapters of Abdullahi Fodiyo University of Science and Technology, Aliero.
He added that the governor also approved the inclusion of the CATA/CONTTA salary structure in the university’s monthly subvention, which, he said, would amount to an annual financial commitment of N2.06 billion.
The commissioner said the governor had also approved and released N151.51 million for the payment of identified annual increment arrears owed to staff of the university.
He explained that the various approvals and interventions made for the Ministry of Higher Education in August amounted to N2.07 billion.
Abubakar-Tunga also announced the appointment of Dr. Zayyanu Umar as the new Provost of Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu.
He described the interventions as major milestones in the administration’s efforts to reposition tertiary education in the state and bring it in line with global standards.
The commissioner commended Governor Idris for his sustained commitment to the development of tertiary institutions and the welfare of their staff and students.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting government policies and programmes aimed at transforming the higher education sector.
Gov. Idris Releases N2.07bn to Boost Tertiary Education, Distributes Buses, Approves Staff Allowances
