Bala Mohammed Sets Up Visitation Panel On State Polytechnic

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has constituted an independent visitation panel for the Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic (ATAP), Bauchi, as part of efforts to strengthen governance, accountability, academic standards and institutional development in the state’s tertiary institutions.

A statement issued yesterday by the governor’s spokesperson, Mukhtar Gidado, said the constitution of the panel by Governor Mohammed in his capacity as Visitor to the Polytechnic, was aimed at providing a comprehensive and objective assessment of the institution’s administration, academic programmes, financial management, infrastructure, staff welfare and overall performance.

Gidado said the polytechnic, established under Edict No. 1 of 1988, had played an important role in providing technical, vocational and technological education, as well as developing skilled manpower required for the socio-economic development of Bauchi State and Nigeria.

According to him, the visitation panel is expected to undertake a thorough review of the affairs of the Polytechnic and make recommendations to improve its effectiveness, efficiency, transparency and capacity to fulfil its statutory mandate.

He said the exercise was also designed to support the state government’s commitment to transforming the education sector and ensuring that tertiary institutions operate to the highest standards.

The panel comprises distinguished academics, public administrators and professionals with extensive experience in tertiary education, public finance, administration and governance.

Former Vice-Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Prof. Abdulrahman Saminu Ibrahim, was appointed chairman of the panel.

Other members are Prof. Muazu Saidu Badara of the Department of Accounting, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and former lecturer at ATAP; Prof. Isa Mohammed of ATBU; Barr. Abdulhamid Abubakar Bununu, Special Adviser on Multilateral Affairs and former Head of Administration/Head of Department, Ministry of Justice; Abdon Dalla Gin, Special Adviser on Civil Service and former Head of Service; and Aliyu Abdullahi Dambam, former Auditor-General and Deputy Accountant-General.

The director of Tertiary Education, Ministry of Higher Education, will serve as secretary to the panel.

Gidado said the calibre and diversity of the panel’s membership reflected the state government’s determination to ensure that the exercise was independent, professional, credible and comprehensive.

He added that the panel would engage relevant stakeholders, including the Polytechnic’s management, academic and non-academic staff, students, governing structures and other stakeholders, before submitting its findings and recommendations to the Visitor.

According to him, the Bauchi State Government remained committed to creating an enabling environment for tertiary institutions to deliver quality education, promote innovation and produce graduates equipped with the knowledge and skills required to contribute meaningfully to the development of the state and the nation.