The Kebbi State Government has released more than N2.07 billion for interventions in tertiary institutions across the state, with the funds targeted at improving infrastructure and staff and student welfare.

The Commissioner for Higher Education, Alhaji Isah Abubakar-Tunga, disclosed this on Tuesday while briefing journalists in Birnin Kebbi.

He said Governor Nasir Idris recently approved N1.75 billion for the procurement and distribution of seven 32-seater, fully air-conditioned coaster buses to state-owned tertiary institutions.

The beneficiary institutions include Abdullahi Fodiyo University of Science and Technology, Aliero; Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu; Kebbi State College of Nursing Sciences, Birnin Kebbi; and Kauran Gwandu College of Nursing and Midwifery Sciences, Ambursa.

Others are the College of Health Sciences and Technology, Jega; Kebbi State Polytechnic, Dakingari; and College of Advanced and Legal Studies, Yauri. The buses are expected to improve mobility and enhance the learning environment.

Abubakar-Tunga also disclosed that the government approved N172 million on August 14 for the payment of Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance and Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance to the ASUU, SSANU, NASU and NAAT chapters of Abdullahi Fodiyo University.

He said the government had also approved the inclusion of the allowances in the university’s monthly subvention, creating an annual financial commitment of N2.06 billion.

In addition, N151.51 million was released to settle identified annual increment arrears owed to university staff. The commissioner said the various interventions approved for the higher education sector in August brought the total value to N2.07 billion.

Abubakar-Tunga also announced the appointment of Dr Zayyanu Umar as the new Provost of Adamu Augie College of Education, Argungu, describing the government’s interventions as part of efforts to reposition tertiary education and improve standards across the state.