Committee of Chairmen Governing Councils of Federal Colleges of Education Pushes for Improved Funding, Infrastructure and Personnel Welfare
Professor Francis Adedayo Faduyile, OON (PDF), Chairman, Committee of Chairmen Governing Councils of Federal Colleges of Education, Leads Delegation to Meet with Sen. Muktar Mohammed Dandutse, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND.
Prof. Faduyile’s opening remarks set the tone for the meeting, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between the committee and the Senate to address the challenges facing Federal Colleges of Education.
“We are here today to reaffirm our commitment to the development of teacher education in Nigeria,” Prof. Faduyile stated. “We believe that our colleges play a critical role in shaping the future of our nation, and we are eager to work with the Senate to ensure that they receive the necessary support to thrive.”
During the meeting, the committee highlighted several key areas of concern, including the need for increased funding, improved infrastructure, and enhanced welfare for personnel. They also emphasized the importance of implementing the Federal Executive Council’s directives on removing tertiary institutions from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
The committee specifically requested the Senate’s support in:
Resuming Stalled Renegotiation: Resuming the renegotiation of the COEASU-FGN 2010 agreement, which was stalled due to the dissolution of the Governing Councils
Reviewing Outsourced Services: Reviewing the policy on outsourced services in Colleges of Education, which has led to inadequate funding and poor maintenance of college facilities.
Implementing FEC Directives: Implementing the FEC’s directives on removing tertiary institutions from IPPIS.
Takeoff Grant for New Colleges: Providing takeoff grants for the newly established Federal Colleges of Education.
Needs Assessment and Revitalization Fund: Releasing the outstanding N300 billion appropriated in the 2023 budget for the Needs Assessment and Revitalization Fund.
Governing Councils’ Funding: Providing adequate funding for Governing Councils to enable them to perform their duties effectively.
Sen. Dandutse, in his response, assured the committee of the Senate’s commitment to supporting the development of Federal Colleges of Education. He emphasized the importance of teacher education in Nigeria’s development and pledged to work with the committee to address the challenges facing the colleges.
The meeting marked a significant step forward in the committee’s efforts to promote the development of Federal Colleges of Education. With the Senate’s support, the committee is optimistic that the colleges will receive the necessary support to thrive and produce high-quality teachers for Nigeria’s educational system.
