Federal Govt Explores Funding Options For Inter-Varsity Centres

The Federal Government is exploring funding options for the country’s four Inter-university Centres with a view to enhancing their training and research capabilities. 

The four inter-varsity centers are; the National Mathematical Centre (NMC), the National Institute for Nigerian Languages, the Nigerian French Language Village and the Nigerian Arabic Language Centre. 

Education Minister, Prof.Tahir Mamman, who made this known at an  interactive session yesterday, with Chief Executive Officers of the Centers indicated that he will open a line of dialogue between the Ministry, the Centers and the Tertiary Education Trust (TETFund) with a view to bringing the inter-varsity centers within the funding envelope of the Fund. 

A press statement, signed by the, Director, Press and Public Relations, Ben. Bem Goong, the Minister, also appealed to public and private universities across the country to patronize the centers for their training programs. 

Also speaking, the Minister of State for Education, Hon Dr Yusuf Tanko Sununu promised that he will Interface with his colleagues at the National Assembly to make a case for improved funding of the Nation’s inter University centers, adding that training and research are key to National development.

Addressing the Ministers, the Chief Executives of the Centers Complained of inadequate funding, low patronage, Inability of their academic staff rising to professorial chair due to statutory constraints, as well as poor and dilapidated infrastructure.