Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman disclosed during an interactive session with the Chief Executive Officers of the Centers the federal government’s commitment to initiating a dialogue between the Ministry, the Centers, and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) to ensure the inclusion of inter-varsity centers within TETFUND’s funding framework.
Highlighting the importance of these centers in fostering academic excellence, Minister Mamman urged both public and private universities across the country to actively engage with the centers for their training programs. The four inter-varsity centers at the forefront of this funding exploration are the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), the National Institute for Nigerian Languages, the Nigerian French Language Village, and the Nigerian Arabic Language Centre.
In a unified stance, the Chief Executives of these centers voiced their concerns during the session. Among the prominent issues raised were inadequate funding, low patronage, constraints hindering academic staff from rising to professorial positions, and the deplorable state of infrastructure. The plea for financial support resonated with Minister Mamman, who assured the leaders that steps would be taken to address these challenges.
Minister of State for Education, Hon Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, echoed these sentiments and pledged to advocate for increased funding for the nation’s Inter-University Centers. Dr. Sununu underlined the pivotal role that these centers play in advancing national development through their focus on training and research. He committed to engaging with his colleagues at the National Assembly to champion the cause for improved funding.
“The prosperity of our nation is intricately tied to the quality of education and research we invest in. These Inter-University Centers serve as hubs of knowledge creation and skill development, contributing significantly to our country’s progress,” emphasized Minister of State for Education, Hon Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu.
The National Mathematical Centre, one of the key institutions in this endeavor, expressed optimism about the potential positive impact of increased funding. Dr. Amina Hassan, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Mathematical Centre, stated, “With enhanced financial support, we can bolster our research initiatives, attract top-tier academic talent, and upgrade our infrastructure to world-class standards. This will undoubtedly position us as a global player in mathematical research and education.”
Addressing the challenges faced by academic staff within these centers, Minister Mamman acknowledged the need to address statutory constraints preventing timely promotions to professorial ranks. He affirmed the government’s commitment to reviewing and adjusting these constraints to ensure that academic excellence is duly recognized and rewarded.
As the dialogue between the Ministry, Inter-University Centers, and TETFUND unfolds, stakeholders anticipate a transformative shift in the landscape of higher education and research in Nigeria. The collective effort to secure increased funding reflects a commitment to nurturing academic excellence and positioning the nation as a hub for innovative research and development.
