Reps to convene summit on tertiary education reform

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By Aaron Ossai and Disun Amosun

In continuation of delivering on its legislative agenda commitments, the House of Representatives has slated a 2-day Summit on Tertiary Education Education for Tuesday and Wednesday, 22nd and 23rd of November 2022.

The Summit, according to the Speaker ,Rep Femi Gbajabiamila at Mondays resumed plenary is to afford the opportunity to delve into the long overdue conversation on the future of public Tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Gbajabiamila in a welcome remark.after a 2-week recess by members to attend to budget defence, added that local and international stakeholders including scholars, tertiary institution administrators will converge on Abuja where is they will present papers on the theme of the summit “Re imaging Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria: Issue, Challenges and Solutions” as well as other sub-themes.

“Their presentations and submissions will inform the policy recommendations of the summit and will be published in a journal for policy action and academic reference. So far, public interest both within and outside Nigeria has been impressive” the Speaker added.

He reiterated the 9th House of Representatives to positively impact on every facet of human endeavours, with special focus on Youth Development

Gbajabiamila commended the House Committees for their diligence in working on the 2023 Appropriations Bill and ensuring the final budget serves the needs of the Nigerian people and development objectives of communities across the country.

The Speaker then gave assurances that, in line with the reforms of the 9th Assembly, finishing touches are being put on the final 2023 appropriation bill for presidential assent before the end of the year.

He noted that It was not an easy task to deliver an implementable budget at a time of significant financial limitations, the limited time available for budget consideration and the demands of the fast-approaching national elections further complicate the picture.

Reports have it that Gbajabiamila had to abruptly adjourn Monday’s resumed sitting due to members inability to settle down for the other business of the day.

Immediately after the Speaker’s welcome address, members started moving about the chambers, exchanging pleasantries and backslaps and talking on top of their voices.

All efforts by the presiding officers to restore calm in the chambers did not achieve the desired result and as such the important motion raised on the effects of flood’s across the country could not be taken on the floor.

The Speaker then adjourned sitting till Wednesday 16th November to allow himself and the Deputy Speaker, Rep Idris Wase among others attend the kickoff of the APC presidential campaign holding in Jos, the Plateau State capital Tuesday.