Bayelsa Governor Considers New Ministry for Higher Education

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State is contemplating the creation of a Ministry of Higher Education, as recommended by a panel chaired by Dr. Oyovwin Osusu.

This proposal was presented at the Government House in Yenagoa, following the panel's report on the necessity of a separate ministry to oversee the increasing number of tertiary institutions in the state, which has grown to five. The current supervision under the Ministry of Education is deemed cumbersome.

The panel also recommended the establishment of a Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to support these institutions, including the Bayelsa Medical University. Governor Diri expressed his commitment to reviewing the recommendations, emphasizing the importance of addressing the peculiar challenges faced by the state's higher education sector.

The panel's findings included the need for accreditation of programs at various institutions to enhance educational standards and facilitate graduates' advancement.