Senator Aniekan Bassey (SAB) of the Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District has made a passionate appeal for the Federal Ministry of Education to address the long-standing issue of unpaid take-off grants for the University of Uyo, and the newly established Federal College of Education in Ididep, two sensitive educational institutions in Akwa Ibom State.
He made this known on Tuesday during the budget defense session of the Senate Committee on Education (Basic and Secondary).
Senator Bassey, who highlighted the University of Uyo’s plight, including nonpayment of take-off grants since its inception, urged the Federal Ministry of Education to prioritize the disbursement of the funds in the 2025 budget.
According to Senator Bassey, the Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development, such financial support would boost educational development and contribute significantly to the socio-economic advancement of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria at large.
He also emphasized the need for immediate financial intervention to ensure the smooth commencement of academic and administrative operations for the newly established Federal College of Education in Ididep, Ibiono Ibom.
Speaking, Senator Bassey said, “The University of Uyo has, for years, struggled with inadequate funding despite its role in providing quality education in the South-South region. Similarly, the Federal College of Education, Ididep, cannot thrive without the necessary federal government grants to assist in setting up the infrastructure and systems required to function effectively.”
Senator Bassey further expressed concern that improper funding of these citadels of learning will hamper the growth and development of the institutions, depriving students and staff of the conducive learning and working environments they deserve.
He tasked the Senator Lawal Adamu Usman-led Senate Committee on Education to engage the Federal Ministry of Education on the payment of take-off grants and proper funding of the University of Uyo and Federal College of Education, Ididep, during further budget deliberations.
Media Unit
Office of the Senator
Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District
