The Kaduna State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed a bill to establish the Kaduna State Tertiary Institution Regulatory Agency.

The bill was passed after the chairman of the Joint Committee on Education and Judiciary and the member representing Zaria city constituency, Mahmud Lawal, presented a report to the parliament.

While speaking to journalists, Lawal stated that the bill was the first of its kind in Nigeria, tasked with regulating the activities of all public and private tertiary institutions in Kaduna State.

He stated that the agency would oversee the operations of institutions, monitor relationships between students, lecturers, and school management, and address complaints within the system.

According to him, the bill empowers the agency to maintain records and statistics of all tertiary institutions and students across the state.

“This agency will keep a database on the number of schools, courses offered, students, lecturers, and their specialisations. This agency will provide a platform where students can report grievances without fear of victimisation,” Mr Lawal added.

He explained that the agency would complement the role of the National Universities Commission and other federal regulatory bodies by enforcing state laws on tertiary institutions.

According to him, the agency would also handle admission processes, school fees, learning environment, and the welfare of students and staff.

He said the bill aimed to reduce disputes between students, lecturers, and school management that often end up in court, adding that it would provide a platform where students can report grievances.

Mr Lawal said the initiative had attracted interest from lawmakers in Kano, Ogun, and other states, who expressed readiness to replicate the law.

“Our state leads in education. We need to protect students, ensure fairness, and produce qualified graduates for Nigeria,” he said.

Mr Lawal urged students to embrace the opportunity, knowing their concerns would now be addressed through a formal agency.

Earlier,  a motion for the regulation of metal waste vendors in the state to ensure environmental sustainability , public health, and compliance with waste management standards was moved.

The motion, which was raised by Aminu Lawal-Anty, seeks to address the issue of theft and vandalisation of public and private properties by some metal waste vendors.

(NAN)