By Ezekiel Dontinna–Pankshin
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has approved over ten billion Naira (₦10b) take off grand for the newly upgraded Federal College of Education Pankshin to Federal University of Education Pankshin (FUEP), Plateau State.
Member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Yusuf Adamu Gagdi, disclosed this Monday, at the official unveiling of the University by the National Universities Commission (NUC) who were on the spot assessment in Pankshin LGA.
The Member who was the sole sponsor of the bill for the upgrade from FCE Pankshin to the University status noted that, he was a fulfilled man because the bill was assented to by former President Muhammadu Buhari and minuted to the former Minister, but was kept under the carpet.
He said, “Buhari approved the bill overriding the Ministry of Education to commence immediately, but it became a big problem giving rooms for some people in social media who hated Gagdi to go agog that I lied.Today, I am being exonerated.
“I went and appealed to President Tinubu that, every New University always have a problem with getting releases from Tetfund and Mr. President approved over ten billion take off grand for the Federal University of Education Pankshin”, Gagdi disclosed.
According to him, the President has directed that the grand should be released immediately through the Tetfund to the University for its effective take off activities.
The Lawmaker again revealed that, the Federal Government has also approved the recruitment slots of over one hundred and sixty one (161) staff to cover the gap of the University and that, he has handed the approval to Chairman of the Governing Board.
Earlier, the Team Lead of the Ministerial Committee, Dr. Yosi Uba, who were on the spot assessment of University said, they were in the Institution to unveil and conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Federal University of Education Pankshin.
She disclosed that the exercise was aimed at providing accurate and reliable information to the Federal Government to enhance strategic preparation of the institution’s transition and successful take off as the Federal University of Education Pankshin.
On his part, the Pioneer Chairman of the Governing Board, Funsho Olumoko, commended Hon. Gagdi for championing this course stating that, it marks a pivotal role of transformative journey to academic excellence in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, represented by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Gabriel Dewan, applauded Gagdi for fighting hard for the bill to see the light of the day and promised to support the new baby.
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