Bill Sponsor: Sen. Mohammed, Dandutse Muntari (Katsina South) Bill Progress: PRESENTATION AND CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS
Senator Mohammed Dandutse Muntari, representing Katsina South and serving as the chairman of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, has recently presented several key reports to the Nigerian Senate. These reports primarily address bills aimed at establishing new federal universities and overseeing the utilization of funds by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND).
Focus on New Universities
A significant aspect of Senator Dandutse’s work involves the creation of new educational institutions to enhance access to higher education across Nigeria. Some of the notable bills he has presented include:
- Federal University of Transportation, Daura, Katsina State: The committee reviewed a report on legislation aimed at establishing this university (SB. 799).
- Federal University of Health Sciences, Funtua, Katsina State: Senator Dandutse sponsors this bill and has submitted a report for its consideration (SB. 690).
- Federal University of Education (Technical), Gombe: The committee has also presented a report on the establishment of this university (SB. 221).
In addition to these, the committee has considered proposals for other institutions, including the Federal University of Education (Special) in Oyo and the Federal University of Technology in Ikot Abasi.
Oversight of TETFUND
The Committee on Tertiary Institutions also holds a crucial oversight role regarding TETFUND, which is tasked with providing supplementary support to all public tertiary institutions in Nigeria, including universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, through the disbursement of an education tax.
Senator Dandutse has highlighted the importance of conducting thorough oversight of TETFUND to ensure funds are utilized efficiently, transparently, and effectively. He emphasized the need to address the deteriorating infrastructure and various challenges faced by Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, reinforcing the committee’s commitment to improving the educational landscape in the country.
Through his leadership, Senator Dandutse aims to play a pivotal role in expanding higher education access and ensuring that the necessary resources are effectively allocated to enhance the quality of education in Nigeria.
