FG begins probe of polys, colleges of education

Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, on Thursday in Abuja inaugurated visitation panels to examine the state of affairs in 21 federal polytechnics and 20 colleges of education.
The Act setting up the institutions empowers the minister as Visitor to constitute visitation panels to ascertain the extent to which they have fulfilled their mandate during the period under review.
Rufa’i explained that the panels were to review the performance of the institutions in the areas of governance, standard, quality assurance, management of finances, the relationship between management, staff and students.
Other issues to be considered are the condition of physical infrastructure, the quality of instruction as well as instructional facilities, after which they are to advise government.
Rufa’i said, “The panels are to investigate the application of funds, particularly the special grants and loans meant for specific projects in other to determine the status of such projects and their relevance to further funding.
“They are also to examine the law establishing the institution and see in what ways the law has been observed in all its ramifications, particularly with regards to discipline by the polytechnic authorities, staff and students and also suggest any necessary modification to the law in order to enable the institution to achieve its objectives better.
“Examine all the academic programmes, policies and practices as well as the total academic and physical development, performance and direction of the institution and advise as to whether the desired targets have been met and how modifications may be made to achieve maximum academic productivity, excellence and service to the nation.”
According to the minister, the panels are also empowered to study the management structure and performance of the institution, including fiscal and administrative personnel and welfare policies.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Minister of State for Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, enjoined members of the panels not to see their appointments as an opportunity for a witch-hunt.
He explained that their appointment was based on merit and did not have any political connotation.
According to him, government expects nothing less than a sincere appraisal of the situation on the ground to determine its next line of action.
The panels were given 30 days within which to submit their reports. They are all expected to commence operations on April 10.