Niger State Government Inspects Niger State Polytechnic Projects, Addresses Staff Welfare Concerns

The Niger State Ministry of Tertiary Education has visited Niger State Polytechnic, Zungeru, as part of efforts to assess developments at the institution, inspect ongoing projects and address issues affecting staff and the Polytechnic community.

The delegation, led by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu Sheshi, included the Permanent Secretary, directors and other senior officials of the ministry.

The officials visited both the CABS Bida Campus and the Zungeru Main Campus, where they were received by the Rector, Ambassador Ibrahim Umar Kontagora, PhD, alongside members of the institution's management team.

Welcoming the delegation, the Rector expressed appreciation to the Niger State Governor, Rt. Hon. Umar Muhammad Bago, for what he described as his administration's efforts towards improving tertiary education across the state.

The Rector said the visit was significant because it provided an opportunity for the ministry to directly assess the institution's progress, inspect projects and identify areas where additional government intervention may be required.

He also noted that continued collaboration between the ministry and the Polytechnic would be important in addressing institutional challenges and sustaining improvements already recorded.

In his response, the Commissioner commended the Rector and management of Niger State Polytechnic for the reception accorded to the delegation and acknowledged their efforts towards advancing the institution.

The Commissioner also addressed concerns surrounding the non-implementation of the Consolidated Tertiary Academic Allowance, CATA, for workers in state-owned tertiary institutions. 

He provided clarification on the issue and gave renewed assurance regarding the matter, which has remained an important concern among workers in the state's tertiary education sector.

The delegation also received a case involving a Doctor of Public Administration whose salary was reportedly withheld for 10 months while he was in Malaysia pursuing an MSc programme.

The Commissioner assured the affected staff member that the ministry would examine the circumstances surrounding the matter and take appropriate steps towards resolving it.

A major part of the visit involved the inspection and supervision of ongoing and completed projects across the Polytechnic.

The exercise enabled ministry officials to assess the progress of projects, examine the impact of existing interventions and identify areas requiring further attention.

The visit also provided an opportunity for the state government to engage directly with the Polytechnic's management on issues relating to institutional development, staff welfare, infrastructure and the overall administration of the institution.

The engagement further strengthened the relationship between the Niger State Ministry of Tertiary Education and Niger State Polytechnic, Zungeru, with both sides reaffirming the importance of collaboration in improving the quality of tertiary education in the state.

The inspection comes as the institution continues to pursue infrastructural and academic development while seeking greater support to address challenges affecting its operations and the welfare of its staff and students.