The Visitation Panel for Bayelsa State Tertiary Institutions has submitted its report to Governor Douye Diri, proposing the creation of a dedicated Ministry of Higher Education to oversee the state’s growing number of tertiary institutions.
Chairman of the panel, Oyovwin Osusu, presented the findings on Wednesday at the Government House, Yenagoa, highlighting the need to separate higher education supervision from the sprawling Ministry of Education.
Osusu explained, “The state now has five higher institutions. A Ministry of Higher Education will streamline operational policies and structural administration in line with the state’s vision. We also recommended that TETFUND allocations rotate between Bayelsa Medical University (BMU) and the University of Africa, Toru-Orua (UAT) to ensure equitable benefits.”
The panel also presented detailed reports on individual institutions, with sub-panel chairs including Dr. Martina Nwanyanwu (BMU), Prof. Steven Odiowei (Niger Delta University), Prof. Kingsley Alagoa (Bayelsa Polytechnic, Aleibiri), and Prof. Don Donbebe representing Prof. Steve Azaiki (Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education, Sagbama).
Governor Diri commended the panel’s work, especially Dr. Osusu’s proactive recommendations, calling the proposed Ministry “very apt” and promising serious consideration.
On the TETFUND issue, he noted that UAT’s peculiar legal status requires amendment of its establishment law before allocations can be enforced, rather than rotation.
He added that under his administration, institutions such as the College of Education, Sagbama, which lacked accreditation on his assumption of office, now have all programs accredited.
“It remains our priority to provide the basic needs and facilities to ensure a conducive learning environment across our higher institutions,” Diri said, pledging the establishment of governing boards where needed.
In a separate ceremony, the governor decorated newly promoted Bayelsa-origin police officers, including Deputy Commissioner of Police Samuel Debekeme, and Commissioners of Police Bolou Etete and Preye Egbe, praising their exemplary service.
Diri urged youths to emulate their achievements and take advantage of government empowerment programs.
