Chris Awhawha
The House of Representatives Committee on Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and Other Services has said funds released for projects in tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State were being judiciously utilised.
Chairman of the committee, Princess Miriam Odinaka Onuoha, stated this during a courtesy visit to Governor Douye Diri at the Government House, Yenagoa, on Friday.
Hon. Onuoha, who was accompanied by other members of the committee, said they were in the state to measure the level of compliance on projects executed with funds received from TETFUND.
She commended the state for accessing most of the funds earmarked for tertiary education projects and that the committee will make a case for more funds for Bayelsa as they were impressed with the judicious use of the monies received.
She expressed the willingness of her committee to provide technical support to the state and work closely with the government to ensure that funds due the state were accessed and properly utilised.
The committee chairman stated that so far, tertiary institutions in Bayelsa have received about N10 billion while the state is yet to access about one billion naira.
She appreciated the governor for being a good ambassador of the National Assembly, saying she was impressed with the level of development of the state.
In his remarks, Governor Diri hailed the impact of TETFUND on public universities across the country, noting that the federal agency was filling the gaps that would have existed in the educational institutions.
Senator Diri stated that TETFUND was dear to the government of Bayelsa given its impact on the education sector and the agency deserved all the support and collaboration it can get.
The Bayelsa helmsman directed the relevant officers to ensure that funds meant for the state are accessed as soon as possible before they are mopped up by the federal government.
He equally appreciated the committee for the visit, which he said will afford them the opportunity to see the terrain, stressing that unlike other states, construction was very expensive in Bayelsa.
He said: “We are happy with TETFUND. With what you are doing in the country, you are filing the gaps that would have existed in tertiary institutions.
“In Bayelsa, we have used funds due us well. I am surprised to hear that we have one billion naira yet to be accessed. I am happy you said more will be given to us because we have used what we received well.
“Our terrain here is different. We spend more on construction and it is good that you are going for oversight. You will see why we ask for more. I can assure you that my officials will do the needful to access funds left so that they will not be mopped up.
“Let me also assure you that this government is prepared to work with the Federal Government. We have gone beyond the borders of partisanship and we are running an all-inclusive government, which we believe the president is also doing.”