Dickson orders immediate release of N200m for accreditation in state varsity

Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has approved the immediate
release of N200 million to enable the state-owned Niger Delta
University, NDU, Amassoma secure accreditation for some of its
programmes, including mathematics, computer science, law, chemistry
and education.

Represented by the Chief of Staff, Government House, Yenagoa, Rt Hon
Talford Ongolo, the Governor said, the approval was made to upgrade
the programmes at the university ahead of the visit of the
accreditation teams on the 6th of May, 2017.

Dickson, who ordered the release during a meeting with officials of
the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, NDU Chapter, in
Yenagoa, assured that, the government would do everything within its
reach to ensure that, NDU and other institutions do not suffer from
problems of accreditation.

He expressed the government’s commitment to consolidating on the
substantial  investments made in the education sector, particularly at
the NDU, as evident in the recent award of contracts for the Senate
building and other facilities for the institution.

His words: “From the information that was given to us, some
programmes, particularly mathematics, computer, law, chemistry and
education will need further accreditation.”

“Various accreditation teams will be visiting the NDU from the 6th of
May, 2017. Earlier on, Governor Dickson had made an approval of N221
million. But in view of the fact that the accreditation is very urgent
and dear to the government, he has directed that N200 million be
released immediately.”

Responding, Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Universities,  Dr.
Stanley Ogoun, expressed gratitude to Governor Dickson for the
approval, noting that, the gesture would go a long way in improving
the educational standards of the university.

While lauding the government for its foresight in setting up the NDU,
Dr. Ogoun said, the university has afforded Bayelsa students the
opportunity to acquire higher education in their state.

Also speaking, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, NDU, Prof.
Samuel Edoumiekumo said, after the upcoming accreditation, the
university is expected to be rated higher than its current 53rd
position in the country.

He commended Governor Dickson for his administration’s passion in
improving the education sector and reminded the government òf its
promise in providing staff quarters, noting that, the university had
already sourced for foreign private developers for the construction of
the project.