The House of Representatives Committee on Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and other services has said that funds released for projects in tertiary institutions in Bayelsa State are being judiciously utilised.

The committee’s chairman, Princess Miriam Odinaka Onuoha, made this known during a courtesy visit to Governor Douye Diri at the Government House, Yenagoa, on Friday.

Hon. Onuoha, accompanied by other committee members, said their visit aimed to assess the level of compliance regarding projects executed with TETFUND resources.

She commended the state for effectively accessing most of the funds earmarked for tertiary education projects and assured that the committee would advocate for more funds for Bayelsa, expressing satisfaction with the judicious use of the monies received.

Onuoha also pledged her committee’s willingness to provide technical support to the state and collaborate closely with the government to ensure that all available funds are accessed and appropriately utilised.

The committee chairman disclosed that tertiary institutions in Bayelsa had so far received about N10 billion, though the state is yet to access approximately N1 billion.

She praised the governor for being a good ambassador of the National Assembly and commended the level of development in the state.

In response, Governor Diri noted TETFUND’s impact on public universities nationwide, noting that the federal agency helps address gaps that would otherwise exist in educational institutions.

Senator Diri said that TETFUND is crucial to Bayelsa’s government, given its significant role in the education sector, and expressed the state’s readiness to support and collaborate with the agency.

The governor directed relevant officials to expedite the process of accessing the remaining funds to avoid their reallocation by the federal government.

He thanked the committee for their visit, noting that it would provide them with an opportunity to experience Bayelsa’s unique terrain. He explained that construction costs are higher in the state compared to others due to its geographical challenges.

“We are happy with TETFUND. What you are doing is filling the gaps that would have existed in tertiary institutions across the country.

“In Bayelsa, we have effectively used the funds allocated to us. I am surprised to hear that we still have one billion naira unaccessed. I am glad that you mentioned additional funds, as we have managed what we received well.

“Our terrain is different. We spend more on construction, and your oversight will help you understand why we request more funds. I assure you that my officials will act promptly to access the remaining funds so they are not mopped up.

“Let me also assure you that this government is committed to working with the Federal Government. We have moved beyond partisan divides and are running an all-inclusive government, just as we believe the president is doing,” Diri added.