Bayelsa Panel Recommends Creation of Higher Education Ministry

The Visitation Panel on Bayelsa State tertiary institutions has recommended the establishment of a Ministry of Higher Education to oversee and strengthen the administration of institutions in the state.

The panel, set up in May 2025 by Governor Douye Diri, presented its report on Wednesday at Government House, Yenagoa. The recommendation was disclosed in a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, on April 2, 2026.

Chairman of the panel, Dr. Oyovwin Osusu, said the proposal became necessary due to the increasing number of higher institutions in the state. According to him, separating their supervision from the existing Ministry of Education would enhance efficiency and coordination.

He explained that the current structure places a heavy burden on the Ministry of Education, making its operations cumbersome. A dedicated Ministry of Higher Education, he noted, would streamline policies and improve institutional governance.

Osusu, who also chaired the visitation panel to the University of Africa, Toru-Orua (UAT), revealed that the recommendation was an addition beyond the panel’s original terms of reference.

He further proposed a rotational arrangement in the allocation of funds from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) between the Bayelsa Medical University (BMU) and UAT to ensure both institutions benefit equitably.

Sub-panel chairmen for various institutions also submitted their reports, including Dr. Martina Nwanyanwu (BMU), Prof. Steven Odiowei (Niger Delta University), Prof. Kingsley Alagoa (Bayelsa Polytechnic, Aleibiri), and Prof. Steve Azaiki, represented by Prof. Don Donbebe, for the Isaac Jasper Boro College of Education, Sagbama.

Responding, Governor Douye Diri commended the panel for what he described as a thorough and diligent assignment, noting that the recommendations were both relevant and timely.

He assured that his administration would carefully consider the proposal for the creation of a Ministry of Higher Education.

On the issue of TETFund support, the governor explained that the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, faces a legal limitation tied to its establishing law. He noted that addressing the challenge would require an amendment to the law before the institution can fully benefit from TETFund interventions.

Diri reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving higher education in the state, noting that institutions such as the College of Education in Sagbama, which previously lacked accreditation, have now secured full accreditation for their programmes.

He added that efforts were ongoing to provide infrastructure, ensure conducive learning environments, and constitute governing boards for all tertiary institutions in the state.

In a related development, the governor decorated a newly promoted Deputy Commissioner of Police, Samuel Debekeme, at the Government House. He also congratulated Bolou Etete and Preye Egbe on their elevation to the rank of Commissioners of Police.

Diri praised the officers, all of Bayelsa origin, for their achievements in the Nigeria Police Force and urged youths in the state to emulate their example by striving for excellence and taking advantage of government empowerment programmes.