FG Disburses N200bn Needs Assessment Funds to Universities

The federal government yesterday distributed cheques worth N200 billion to vice-chancellors of all public universities for the implementation of the needs identified in their institutions following accusations by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) that the Needs Assessment funds are yet to be disbursed to universities across Nigeria.

The Supervising Minister of Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, distributed the cheques at a meeting with the vice-chancellors in Abuja yesterday with a caution against the diversion of the funds from the purposes they are meant for.
 

He disclosed that an accountability system would be introduced in March for proper verification of the expenditure.

“All the tertiary institutions would give an account of funds allocated to them to let the public know what the government is doing to improve the education sector.

“It is imperative that the public know how much government is investing in the country’s tertiary education and to correct the impression that it is neglecting the sector,” he said.

The disbursement of the N200 billion is part of the agreements reached between ASUU and the federal government leading to the resolution of the six-month strike last year.
 

Excerpt from THISDAY