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‘FG Determined To Transform Public Tertiary Institutions’
The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, says the Federal Government is determined to leverage on transformation of public tertiary institutions, to outlive landscape of the education sector.
Adamu, who was represented by the Pro-Chancellor, University of Benin and Co-founder, Eko Hospital, Dr Sunny Kuku, made the assertion at the third edition of Taxpayers’ Forum, organised by Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), yesterday, in Lagos.
The programme has the theme: “TETFund Intervention; Catalyst For Transforming Tertiary Education in Nigeria”.
The minister said transformation of the country’s public tertiary institutions would be a deliberate emphasis on science subjects, as was the current global trend.
“I wish to urge all stakeholders in the education sector, especially the public tertiary institutions, that government is determined to ensure that it transforms the entire landscape of our institutions.
“We have recently been approving more funds for priority content components like research, manuscript development, library development and academic staff training and development.
“TETFund has over the years, contributed immensely to the advancement of tertiary education in Nigeria, through the commitment of this respectable forum, using the two per cent Education Tax (EDT) collection.
“It is no longer news that TETFund has become a model Nigerian intervention brand, with a preponderance of different intervention projects that cut across critical sectors of tertiary institutions,” Adamu said.
He added that in the last three decades, billions of naira had been realised as EDT, which had impacted tremendously in transforming and repositioning of institutions in Nigeria.
“Hence, it did not come as a surprise, when in 2012, TETFund decided to appreciate its taxpayers for the first time ever and instituted the taxpayers forum,” Adamu said.
Also, Prof. Suleiman Bogoro, Executive Secretary of TETFund, said research remained the most important aspect and instrument of advanced learning and innovation, if society intended to make meaningful progress.
Bogoro said research had remained a special intervention line of the fund, since it was introduced in 2009.
“Despite efforts of my predecessors around research, given the level of growth in the country, I took the decision to take research to the next level in the country.
“Accordingly, in 2014, I recommended that the Board of Trustees should approve establishment of the Department of Research and Development/Centers of Excellence in TetFund.
“It was thought that research without development, will not provide the growth that Nigeria direly needs as a nation,” Bogoro said.
He added that the intention to promote research and innovation in tertiary institutions, research institutions and industry, as well as establishment of centres of excellence across tertiary institutions, remained a priority.
“Within the fund, the national research fund was set up, N3billion was provided for its take off in 2011 and in 2015, another N1billion was added.
“Our commitment and resolve to contribute in building a prosperous nation remains unshaken,” Bogoro said.
He added that today marked the third edition in the series of taxpayers’ forum that the TETFund had been organising, since its inception in 2011.
“The significance of regular interactions between TETFund, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and taxpayers across the country, cannot be over emphasised.
“We are here to appreciate the taxpayers in particular, for their patriotism and sacrifice in supporting us and in the payment of education tax respectively,” he said.
Mr Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, Chairman, Board of Trustees, TETFund, said the taxpayers’ forum had always served as a platform to honour and identify individuals and companies that had made tremendous contributions to education.
Ibrahim-Imam said the individuals and companies, contributed to education through consistent payment of education tax.
“TETFund has become synonymous with excellence. Currently, we have partnered with another Federal agency to energise at least, 25 institutions with electricity,” he said.
Prof. Oluwatoyin Ogundipe, Vice-Chancellor, University of Lagos, said TETFund had left indelible positive footprints and served as a catalyst for sustainable tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Ogundipe said that TETFund interventions had impacted positively on infrastructural and human development of tertiary institutions over the years.
“Inconsistencies in education tax payments by companies have translated to low EDT collections.
“Available data in 2018, confirms that about 2,286,812 companies are registered in Nigeria, but only 104,624 have been paying EDT since inception of the fund,” he said.
NAN reports that TETFund awarded some individuals and companies, who had contributed to the success of funds intervention.
They included, the minister of education; Alhaji Muhammad Nami- Executive Chairman, FIRS, Nigeria LNG and Nestle Nigeria Ltd., among others.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol