The Niger State House of Assembly Committee on Education has paid an oversight visit to Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai with the Chairman of the Committee and member representing Tafa Constituency, Honorable Muhammad Sani Idris applauding the Management for its remarkable achievements and pledge to continue to support the institution’s sustained growth and success.

The Committee was received by the Management led by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu at the University Senate Chamber.

Honorable Sani Idris stressed on the unprecedented growth of the University over the years, emphasizing that all citizens of Niger State should take pride in the institution’s progress.

“As a true Nigerlite, you must always feel proud that you have such a university in your state,” he stated.

The Chairman praised the Vice Chancellor’s effective leadership, highlighting that the Management’s approach to handling issues had significantly reduced the need for external intervention.

“The way you confront issues has made a lot of our work easier. If not, we would have been here almost every other time to address concerns,” he remarked.

He noted that the Committee’s visit was part of its oversight function to address the University’s needs and challenges.

He hinted that the visit was timed to align with the State’s budget appropriation process, allowing for a comprehensive review of the University’s financial needs for the upcoming fiscal year.

The Committee Chairman further explained that they were committed to supporting the University by advocating for the necessary budget allocations.

“This is the time we felt we should articulate whatever we need to ensure that we get what the University needs for the coming financial year,” he affirmed.

The committee’s oversight visit included an in-depth review of the University’s 2024 budget performance, ongoing projects, and internal revenue generation.

The Honorable member emphasized the importance of understanding these details to advocate effectively during the budget appropriation process.

“We need to articulate all these details when we face the issue of appropriation,” he explained.

He assured the University of the Committee’s partnership, stating that they were around as partners, not as watchdogs.

Earlier the Vice Chancellor, Professor Abu Kasim Adamu, expressed gratitude for the Assembly’s familiarization and oversight visit while highlighting the institution’s rapid growth, achievements, and ongoing challenges.

Professor Adamu emphasized the importance of the Assembly’s visit to the University, stating, that it was a great honour and privilege to have the Honorable members”.

The Vice Chancellor acknowledged the critical role played by the State government and Assembly in supporting the University since its establishment.

“I appreciate His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Niger State, and the Speaker of the House of Assembly for their unwavering support and cooperation, which have significantly contributed to our growth,” he noted.

He also reminded the Assembly members of their continued support for the University’s needs.

Professor Adamu highlighted the University’s strides in expanding its academic offerings and infrastructure.

“IBB University is growing rapidly in academic programs, infrastructure, and human capital development,” he announced.

He further emphasized that the University has earned recognition not only among its peers, but also compared favourably to first generation universities across the country.

“We have introduced thirty-four postgraduate programs, including the ICEeL’s postgraduate program in Minna, bringing education closer to our people,” he stated.

He also highlighted the new academic programs that have been launched, such as the MBBS program, which is currently at the 200 level, and announced the commencement of Law and Pharmaceutical Sciences programs for the 2024/2025 academic session.

“We have received approval from the NUC to begin these new programs, with a quota of 50 students for each,” he said, adding that a new Faculty of Environmental Design is also being established to focus on renewable energy and climate change, positioning the Institution as a leader in these critical fields.

Despite the positive developments, Professor Adamu did not shy away from addressing the challenges facing the University. “One of the significant challenges we face is funding,” he admitted.

“As the University grows, there should be an increase in subvention to address our staffing gaps and support our expanding programs.”

The Vice Chancellor appealed to the Assembly to continue its support, especially in securing additional funding and resolving outstanding allowances for staff to prevent disruptions during examinations.

“Our children are writing exams, and we do not want anything to interfere with that process,” he stressed, calling on the Assembly to help maintain a stable academic environment.

In their separate remarks during interactive session, Honorable Idris Vatsa, member representing Lapai constituency, and his counterparts Honorable Umar Nasir Paiko, representing Paiko constituency voiced their concerns over lack of adequate funding from the Niger State Ministry for Tertiary Education.

They revealed that for the University not to have accessed any capital expenditure funds for about three years, is alarming and detrimental to the institution’s development.

Speaking candidly to the University’s Management and the Committee members present, the members expressed their dismay at the Ministry’s failure to provide the necessary financial support for the University’s growth.

They emphasized the importance of timely and sufficient funding for the University, which is critical for the expansion of infrastructure, enhancement of academic programs, and overall institutional development.

Honorable Vatsa on his own, urged the University to be more proactive in engaging with the Ministry of Tertiary Education to ensure that funds allocated to the institution are released without undue delay.

He stressed that without such engagement, the University might continue to face financial constraints that could hinder its growth and ability to offer quality education.

He further encouraged the University to maintain regular communication with the House Committee on Education to facilitate better support in securing funds for ongoing projects.

The Registrar,
Alhaji Idris Saleh Kusherki, in a vote of thanks extended heartfelt thanks to members of House Committee on Education for their oversight visit to the University.

He expressed deep appreciation for the Committee’s commitment to supporting the institution’s growth and development.

Alhaji Kusherki noted that the visit was a significant show of support from the State Legislature, underlining the Committee’s dedication to advancing higher education in Niger State.

“Your presence here today demonstrates your unwavering commitment to our University’s growth, and we are deeply grateful,” he said.

He acknowledged the Committee’s efforts to understand the University’s achievements, challenges, and future plans, noting that their constructive feedback and genuine concern would help shape the institution’s progress.

The Registrar also thanked the Chairman of the House Committee and his team for their insightful questions and commitment to finding solutions to the Institution’s challenges, particularly in funding, infrastructure, and human capital development.
Alhaji
Kusherki extended special gratitude to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Niger State, and the Speaker of the House of Assembly, for their continued support of the university.

He emphasized the University’s commitment to becoming a center of excellence in education, research, and community service.

The oversight visit by the House Committee on Education included tours of the University’s facilities and discussions on future developments, aiming to strengthen the institution’s relationship with the State Legislature.