MINISTER of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Rufa’i, Tuesday, emphasised the commitment of the Federal Government to revitalise education institutions in the country.

Ruqayyatu who spoke while inaugurating the Committee on the Need Assessment of Universities stressed that the universities must reclaim their pride of place as centres of excellence recognised in the world.

She urged the committee to co-opt individuals and groups whose input could be valuable to the discharge of their assignment.

Rufa’i also charged them to submit actionable recommendation that would re-shape the institutions.

She disclosed that the Need Assessment was only the first step, saying that the ministry would soon evolve a mechanism for the transparent management of resources meant for the institutions.

“This is the surest way to success; anything to the contrary will not ensure the optimal utilisation of resources or successful attainment of goals,” she said.

The committee is mandated to carry out a detailed appraisal of existing physical facilities for teaching and learning and compile a list of teaching and non-teaching staff.

Other terms of reference include giving a detailed inventory of learning resources, with reference to their relevance and serviceability and identifying the number of institutions and students involved in part-time programmes.
The committee is expected to submit its report on March 31.