Bayelsa Assembly Committee Backs UAT's Bid for TETFund Access

The Bayelsa State House of Assembly Committee on Education has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the University of Africa, Toru-Orua (UAT) in its efforts to gain access to intervention funds from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

The assurance was given during an interactive session between the committee and the university's management on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, during a one-day working visit to the institution's campus in Toru-Orua.

Speaking at the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Solomon Ebobrah, described the university's inability to access TETFund as one of its major challenges despite the amendment of the law establishing the institution and its subsequent assent by the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri.

He appealed to the lawmakers to support ongoing efforts aimed at resolving all outstanding issues preventing the university from benefiting from the intervention fund.

Prof. Ebobrah also highlighted the institution's increasing student population and the urgent need for additional classrooms, staff offices, laboratories, and staff accommodation.

He, however, acknowledged the continued support of the Bayelsa State Government, particularly in the regular payment of staff salaries and its assistance in securing approval for new academic programmes, including Law, Nursing Science, and Medical Laboratory Science.

Responding, the Chairman of the House Committee on Education, Dr. Charles Daniel, assured the university that the legislature would continue to engage relevant stakeholders to facilitate UAT's inclusion among institutions eligible to benefit from TETFund.

He noted that access to the intervention fund would significantly improve infrastructure development, research capacity, and academic excellence at the university.

Also speaking, Hon. Dr. Fafi Wisdom acknowledged the challenges facing the institution and expressed confidence that the implementation of the recommendations of the visitation panels previously established by Governor Douye Diri would address many of the issues raised and further strengthen the university's growth and development.

The meeting ended with both parties expressing optimism that sustained collaboration between the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, the state government, and the University of Africa, Toru-Orua would accelerate the institution's development and enhance its capacity to deliver quality higher education.