Chief Nyesom Wike
The Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, on Wednesday expressed concern over the delay in provision of infrastructure for the nine newly approved universities.
Wike made his feelings known at a meeting with vice-chancellors, procurement officials, contractors, consultants of the new universities, the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TetFund).
He said the report his ministry was getting was not satisfactory, adding that in spite of the fact that money was provided since last year for the take-off of the universities, nothing had been done.
“So, I want to know what the problems are, now that the contractors are here.
“Why is it that for the past one year that this contract was approved and award letters given out, reports reaching me say nothing is happening at most of the university sites.
“Some contractors have complained that up till now they cannot get full details of the universities’ designs, while some made various complaints.
“So, I want to find out if the fault is from the universities, or the ministry, the NUC, or the consultants that is why we have called for this meeting.”
The Minister queried why funds made available in the past one year could not be utilised.
He said Nigerians were eager to see the completion of the new universities, adding that the Federal Government was willing to ensure that they were not just opened, but have the necessary facilities.
Wike said the government was committed to providing the necessary infrastructures to enable the universities take-off.
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