Government inaugurates visitation panels for Polytechnics, Colleges of Education

The Federal government has inaugurated the visitation panels of 25 Federal Polytechnics and 21 Colleges of Education.

The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Sonny Echono inaugurated the panel in Abuja on Monday.

The Minister charged the panels to adhere strictly to the terms of reference of their service.

He said that the visitation panel would ascertain the extent at which the institutions were mandated to carry out their functions.

Adamu added that the panel would cover a period of 10 years between 2010 and 2020 which would also be expected to present two reports which cover 2010-2015 and 2016-2020.

According to him, each panel will have academia, someone who knows the financial matter in the business sector, someone with the knowledge of the law and other instruments.

“Each panel is expected to review the performance of each institution assigned in the area of governance, academic standards, quality assurance, management of finances, the relationship between the management and the staff.

“Also you are expected to assess the structures of the schools’ infrastructure as well as instructional materials.

“This panel is clearly expected to explore to the following terms of reference; determine the relationship between the institution, various Statutory bodies according to its law of supervisions, planning, finance, guidance and discipline”

“Look at the leadership qualities of the instructions in terms of the roles of the governing council, the head of the institution and other principal officers.

“Look into the financial management of the institutions over the recommended period, whether it was in accordance with our budget regulations, investigate the application of funds particularly the special grants and loans made for specific projects, among others,” The Minister explained.

Adamu urged the panels to conclude their responsibilities with best practices within the period of 60 days.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed tasked the panel to justify their selection for the conduct of the exercise.

According to him, the composition of the visitation panel started four years ago and was reviewed three years ago.

“From among thousands of names shortlisted, you have been selected for the conduct of the exercise in Nigeria’s Polytechnics and Colleges of Education.

“So, you have to justify your nomination in this appointment,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the Chairmen of the visitation panels, Prof. Pai Obanya, Chairman Visitation Panel to Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo State said that the task before the panel was to fulfil the government’s desire to make the institutions grow for better service.

Obanya pledged to respect the terms of reference within the given timeline while urging the government to do justice to the recommendations of the panel.

Nnenna.O