The Kebbi State Government led by Governor Nasir Idris has released over N2.07 billion for interventions in tertiary institutions to strengthen facilities and improve staff and students’ welfare.

The Commissioner for Higher Education, Isah Abubakar-Tunga, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.

The commissioner said the governor 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.

He listed the beneficiary institutions as Abdullahi Fodiyo University of Science and Technology, Aliero; Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu; and the Kebbi State College of Nursing Sciences, Birnin Kebbi.

He named others to include Kauran Gwandu College of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences, Ambursa, College of Health Sciences and Technology, Jega; Kebbi State Polytechnic, Dakingari; and the College of Advanced and Legal Studies, Yauri.

According to the commissioner, the buses are meant to enhance mobility, welfare, and learning conditions across the institutions.

He added that on August 14, the governor approved and released N172 million for the payment of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) and Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance (CONTTA) for the Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU), Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) and the National Association of Academic Technologists (NAAT) chapters at the Abdullahi Fodiyo University of Science and Technology, Aliero.

Mr Abubakar-Tunga added that the governor also approved the inclusion of the CATA/CONTTA salary structure in the university’s monthly subvention, a measure which, he said, would amount to an annual financial commitment of N2.06 billion.

He said the governor also approved and released N151.51 million for the payment of identified annual increment arrears owed to staff of the university.

The commissioner said the approvals and interventions for the Ministry of Higher Education in August totalled N2.07 billion.

Mr 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 drive to reposition tertiary education in the state and align it with global standards.

The commissioner commended the governor for his sustained commitment to the development of tertiary institutions and the welfare of their staff and students.

Mr Abubakar-Tunga reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting government policies and programmes aimed at transforming the higher education sector.

(NAN)