Gombe inaugurates varsity governing council, boards of colleges
Chima Azubuike, Gombe
Gombe state governor, Inuwa Yahaya on Monday, inaugurated the governing council of the state University with a charge to ensure accountability and innovative ways of generating revenue.
Yahaya who performed the function of also inaugurating boards for School of Nursing & Midwifery, and College of Health Sciences & Technology Kaltungo at the banquet hall of the government house, said his administration is committed to ensuring development of all sectors, especially education.
According to him, Gombe State University was established in line with the tripartite mission of institutions of higher education which is teaching, research and service.
“This involves the production of knowledge through research, building an exemplary character in the individual student through teaching, and engaging the society in the exchange of ideas through service.
“It is charged with the general principle of control and supervision of policy implementation, finances and property of the University including its public relations.
“It shall ensure that proper accounts of the University are kept and audited annually by auditors appointed by the State Auditor-General and that an annual report is published by the University together with certified copies of the audited account.
“Discharging those responsibilities require the efficient mobilization and application of resources. This is even more important considering the prevailing economic condition caused by Covid-19 which calls for prudence and accountability. The Boards should therefore help their institutions ensure accountability and compliance with best practices. They should also help their institutions create innovative ways to generate revenue and reduce their financial dependence on government,” Yahaya said.
While underscoring the importance of peaceful relationship among the governing council and the school management he added, “In carrying out its functions, the Governing Council should cooperate with the State Government, the Management of the University, the various Unions in the University, external bodies and local communities for the purpose of fairness, equity and justice.
“Your appointments and inauguration are coming at a critical time when Government is seriously focusing its attention on – and investing heavily in – the education sector, culminating in the declaration of state of emergency in education after considering the reports of the Transition Committee and the Taskforce on Tertiary Institutions which highlighted the negligence and systemic rot in the sector.”
On his part, Sen. Joshua Lidani, the chairman governing council of Gombe State University, assured the government that his council will ensure development is achieved in the ivory tower.
Lidani said the governor’s effort is a departure from the past where institutions had structures without qualified leadership.
