Sani Dutsinma
The Kebbi State Government has released N2.07 billion for interventions in tertiary institutions across the state, aimed at improving infrastructure and enhancing the welfare of staff and students.
The Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Isah Abubakar-Tunga, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Birnin Kebbi.
He said Governor Nasir Idris on August 14 approved and released N172 million for the payment of Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) and Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance (CONTTA) to the ASUU, SSANU, NASU and NAAT chapters of Abdullahi Fodiyo University of Science and Technology, Aliero.
According to the Commissioner, the governor also approved the inclusion of the CATA/CONTTA salary structure in the university’s monthly subvention, translating to an annual financial commitment of about N2.06 billion.
Abubakar-Tunga further disclosed that the government had approved and released N151.51 million to settle identified annual increment arrears owed to staff of the university.
He explained that the various approvals and interventions made for the Ministry of Higher Education in August amounted to N2.07 billion.
The Commissioner described the interventions as significant milestones in the administration’s efforts to reposition tertiary education in Kebbi State and bring the sector in line with global standards.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to supporting government policies and programmes aimed at transforming higher education and improving teaching and learning conditions across the state.