The Federal Government has released N38.93bn to 166 public tertiary institutions nationwide under the Needs Assessment Revitalisation Fund to address infrastructure deficits and improve teaching and learning facilities.

The intervention covers 79 universities, 46 polytechnics and 41 colleges of education, with universities receiving the largest share of the allocation.

The Federal Ministry of Finance disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by its Head of Media, Efe Ovuakporie, explaining that the funds would support approved projects in beneficiary institutions.

The statement read, “The Federal Government has disbursed N38.93bn to 166 public tertiary institutions nationwide under the Needs Assessment Revitalisation Fund.”

According to the ministry, the university component accounts for N28.5bn, while N5.8bn has been allocated to polytechnics and N4.7bn to colleges of education.

According to the ministry, the university component accounts for N28.5bn, while N5.8bn has been allocated to polytechnics and N4.7bn to colleges of education.

An analysis of the allocations by PUNCH Online showed that universities would receive approximately 73.2 per cent of the announced N38.93bn intervention, making them the largest beneficiaries.

Polytechnics would account for about 14.9 per cent, while colleges of education would receive approximately 12.1 per cent.

The ministry explained that the intervention was intended to address longstanding infrastructure challenges in public tertiary institutions and support the implementation of agreements reached between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities.

It stated, “The intervention forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to address the needs of public universities and support the implementation of agreed measures under the Memorandum of Understanding between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities.”

The Needs Assessment Revitalisation Fund is designed to support improvements in institutional infrastructure and other identified needs, particularly in public universities, where inadequate facilities have remained a recurring concern in negotiations between the government and academic unions.

The ministry said the latest disbursement would enable beneficiary institutions to begin new projects or continue previously approved interventions aimed at improving their operational capacity.

“The funds are expected to enable beneficiary institutions to commence or advance approved projects addressing critical infrastructure and other identified institutional needs, with the overall objective of strengthening the quality of tertiary education in Nigeria,” it added.

The government also emphasised the need for coordination among the Federal Ministry of Finance, Federal Ministry of Education and beneficiary institutions to ensure that the released funds produced measurable improvements.

It noted that effective collaboration would be necessary to translate the financial intervention into improved infrastructure, institutional capacity and learning conditions.

The bill to approve the establishment  of  the Federal University of Agriculture, Emughan, Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State has passed third reading.

The Bill, titled  “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Federal Universities of Agriculture Act, Cap. F22, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2024” was sponsored by Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo representing Rivers West Senatorial District.

The bill seeks to amend the existing Federal Universities of Agriculture Act to provide for the establishment of the proposed institution in Emughan community in Rivers State.

The passage of the bill by the Senate marks a significant legislative milestone towards the establishment of the proposed university.

When established, the institution is expected to expand access to higher education, promote agricultural research and innovation, develop skilled manpower, and contribute to the economic growth of Rivers State and Nigeria at large.

According to a statement made available to The Tide, the bill, having passed the Third Reading in the Senate, will now proceed to the House of Representatives for concurrence as part of the legislative process towards its enactment into law.

The bill underscores Senator Banigo’s  commitment to advancing educational opportunities and strengthening agricultural development in Rivers State.

By: Kevin Nengia

Rivers State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Sir Amaopusenibo Amairigha Edward Hart, has said the Rivers State Government is developing a comprehensive zoning framework for high-rise buildings in Port Harcourt and other parts of the state to ensure orderly urban development and structural safety.

Hart stated this during the inauguration of a Technical Committee on High-Rise Buildings and Zoning for Port Harcourt metropolis last Friday, at the Ministry’s office, Moscow Road, Port Harcourt.

The Commissioner, whose address was delivered by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Soibitein Duke Harry, said the rapid growth and urban development of Port Harcourt presented both opportunities and challenges that required effective planning and regulation.

He noted that it was imperative to ensure that high-rise buildings were properly planned, designed, constructed and regulated in accordance with approved building standards and zoning regulations.

According to him, the committee has a critical responsibility to promote orderly urban development, guarantee structural safety, protect the environment and enhance the aesthetics and functionality of the state capital.

The Commissioner further charged the committee to address indiscriminate development and reduce the risks associated with unsafe buildings, stressing the need for a planning framework that would support sustainable development and safeguard the lives and property of residents.

He urged members to discharge their assignment with professionalism, integrity and diligence, adding that their recommendations must be practical, enforceable and guided by the best interests of the people and the sustainable development of Port Harcourt.

Responding on behalf of other members, the Chairman of the committee, Mr. Aloysius Nwuzi, described the assignment as central to the mandate of the urban planning profession, which is to provide a liveable and viable environment for all.

Nwuzi observed that the challenges posed by haphazard development required collective efforts from relevant professionals and stakeholders, assuring the state government that the committee had the institutional framework and professional capacity to deliver on its mandate.

“We accept this State responsibility and pledge to treat it with the seriousness, excellence and professionalism that it deserves,” he stated.

The committee is expected to examine existing planning regulations, identify suitable locations for high-rise developments and recommend appropriate zoning standards covering permissible building heights, plot ratios, setbacks, development density, parking provisions and infrastructure capacity.

Other members of the committee are Chief (Dr.) Simeipiri Wenike Johnbull, Dr. Edmund C. Nwokaeze, Stewart Owukio, Oti Emmanuel Okah, Nzen Ebirien Nzen Jnr., Stella Enyadike, Eleeh Chimezie O. and Felicia Leyira Ikpe.

The ministry called on relevant stakeholders to cooperate with the committee to achieve its objectives and support the development of a safer, better-planned and more sustainable Port Harcourt metropolis.