A delegation from the House of Representatives Committee on Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and Other Services has paid an oversight visit to Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai, as part of its nationwide technical assessment of TETFund-supported projects between 2021 and 2024.

Leading the team was Martha Chioma Mbalisi JP, Clerk of the House Committee, who explained that the visit was part of a broader mandate by the National Assembly to evaluate the implementation, progress, and challenges of TETFund interventions in tertiary institutions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

“Our focus is on completed, ongoing, and flagged projects and we are particularly interested in understanding any difficulties institutions may face in accessing or executing TETFund projects. One project at your University was listed as distressed, but your Desk Officer has clarified that it is still ongoing. We intend to inspect it physically to assess the level of completion and identify any gaps,” Mbailisi said.

She added that the visit, which will span several days in Niger State, would culminate in a detailed report to the Committee, with the aim of recommending necessary legislative or administrative interventions.

Mbailisi conveyed greetings from the Committee Chairperson and appreciated the University for its preparedness and cooperation. noting that the delegation included a consultant who would help collate findings for onward presentation.

Welcoming the delegation, Vice Chancellor Professor Mohammed Hadi Sulaiman, represented by Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Professor Mohammed Aliyu Bello, expressed gratitude for the visit and reiterated the University’s commitment to transparency and growth.

“We acknowledge that some of our checkpoint related projects along access roads are still ongoing. While we hoped to host the full technical committee. We understand the urgency of your assignment and are pleased to work with your delegation,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor also highlighted the University’s logistical and infrastructural challenges particularly in student accommodation.

“Out of our student population of over 19,000, fewer than 2,000 live on campus. This forces the majority into expensive and often unsafe off-campus housing. We are appealing for more TETFund support in hostel development to reduce the current burden on students and parents. On-campus accommodation would significantly improve safety and affordability,” he maintained.

Professor Hadi Sulaiman also noted that the visit coincided with the first day of resumption after over a month closure, following students protest after the loss of a student and a temporary shutdown ordered by the State Government.

In his remarks, Registrar Alhaji Idris Sale Kusherki Represented by Establishment Secretary, Mr. Sunday Gana, stated that IBB University remains one of the fastest-growing state universities in the country, with a vision to expand access to quality tertiary education in the North-Central region.

He reaffirmed the institution’s appreciation for the committee’s oversight role and partnership in advancing quality education.