Senator Aniekan Bassey, representing Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, has made a fervent appeal to the Federal Ministry of Education to prioritize the release of the long-awaited take-off grant for the University of Uyo (UNIUYO) and ensure adequate funding for the institution in the 2025 budget. The Senator’s call for action, articulated during a budget defence session of the Senate Committee on Education, underscores the pressing need to address the historical underfunding of the university, an issue that has hampered its growth and development for over three decades. Bassey, recognizing the critical role of education in national development, emphasized that the proper funding of UNIUYO is not merely a matter of institutional support but a crucial investment in the future of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria as a whole.
The Senator’s plea resonates with the concerns of stakeholders who have, over the years, lamented the lack of adequate funding for UNIUYO, which was established 34 years ago. The absence of the take-off grant, a critical financial injection designed to facilitate the smooth establishment and initial operations of new universities, has undeniably constrained UNIUYO’s ability to realize its full potential. The institution has been forced to navigate numerous financial challenges, impacting its infrastructural development, research capabilities, and overall academic performance. Bassey’s advocacy, therefore, represents a renewed effort to rectify this historical oversight and ensure that UNIUYO receives the necessary financial resources to compete effectively with other institutions of higher learning within and outside Nigeria.
Coupled with his appeal for UNIUYO, Senator Bassey also championed the cause of the newly established Federal College of Education, Ididep, located in Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. He stressed the importance of providing adequate funding for the nascent institution to enable it to establish the requisite infrastructure and systems required for effective academic activities. The Senator argued that a well-funded Federal College of Education in Ididep would not only expand access to quality teacher education in the region but also contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of the surrounding communities. His advocacy highlights the interconnectedness of educational development and broader societal progress, emphasizing that investing in education is an investment in the future of the nation.
Bassey’s advocacy extends beyond simply requesting funds; he underscores the potential negative consequences of inadequate funding for both UNIUYO and the Federal College of Education, Ididep. He cautioned that the failure to provide adequate resources could impede the growth of these institutions, hindering their ability to provide a conducive learning environment for students and a supportive working environment for staff. This, in turn, could lead to a decline in academic standards and ultimately compromise the quality of graduates produced by these institutions. The Senator’s warning serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility of the government to prioritize education and invest appropriately in its development.
The Senator’s proactive engagement in the budget defence session demonstrates his commitment to ensuring that the educational needs of his constituents are adequately addressed. He urged the Senate Committee on Education, led by Senator Lawal Adamu Usman, to engage robustly with the Federal Ministry of Education on the release of the UNIUYO take-off grant and the provision of proper funding for both UNIUYO and the Federal College of Education, Ididep during subsequent budget discussions. This proactive approach underscores the importance of legislative oversight in ensuring that budgetary allocations are effectively utilized to achieve national development objectives.
In conclusion, Senator Aniekan Bassey’s advocacy for increased funding for UNIUYO and the Federal College of Education, Ididep, represents a crucial step towards addressing the historical underfunding of educational institutions in Akwa Ibom State. His call for action highlights the importance of prioritizing education as a catalyst for national development and the need for effective legislative oversight to ensure that budgetary allocations translate into tangible improvements in the education sector. The Senator’s passionate appeal serves as a reminder that investing in education is not just a financial commitment but a moral imperative, crucial for securing a brighter future for generations to come.
