The Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and Tertiary Education Trust Fund says it will oversee the agency thoroughly to ensure adequate utilisation of funds accrued.

Chairman of the committee, Muntari Dandutse (APC-Katsina), said this during the maiden meeting of the committee held in Abuja on Thursday.

Mr Dandutse said the committee would also ensure that the agency operated efficiently, transparently and effectively to maximise its positive impact.

“Our tertiary institutions are the crucibles of knowledge and the launch pads of progress where future leaders, innovators and professionals are moulded. These institutions need our unwavering support to thrive and adapt to the evolving needs of our society.

“The TETFund, with its mandate to provide intervention funds to these institutions, plays pivotal role in advancing education, research and infrastructural development. We will seek resources for the upliftment of infrastructural decay in tertiary institutions. There are lots of donors and agencies aside from TETFund. So we will ensure that the fund at TETFund are utilised,” he said.

The lawmaker further said in the coming days and months, the committee would delve into the complex issues facing tertiary institutions and TETFund. 

According to Mr Dandutse, we will listen to experts, stakeholders and the voices of the people we serve.

“We will work diligently to draft legislation, propose policies and oversee the allocation of resources to address these challenges,” Mr Dandutse explained.

Similarly, the Senate minority leader, Simon Mwadkwon (PDP-Plateau), said it was a known fact that there were agitations in tertiary institutions.

Mr Mwadkwom, however, said the committee would ensure that something was done to move the education system forward.

“As members of this committee, we should do something possible to help the education system move forward,” the legislator stated.

In the same vein, Neda Imasuen (LP-Edo) said the education system had deteriorated and therefore called for efforts to tackle the decay.

The lawmaker stated, “As we interact with these universities, we should not forget to bring to the fore the issues of the effect of hard drugs on our youths in various institutions.”

(NAN)