The Gombe State Executive Council approved the sum of N2.9 billion as a counterpart funding for 12 donor agencies and development partners operating in the State.
The council also approved the release of N682 million to clear outstanding Academic Earned Allowances (AEA) for academic staff of the Gombe State University (GSU).
WikkiTimes reports that Gombe University has been on strike due to failure of the state government to meet of their demands. The payment was aimed at meeting the demands of the institution’s unions to ensure an agreement is reached for the prompt reopening of the university.
The state Deputy Governor, Dr. Manasseh Daniel Jatau, disclosed this while briefing the press, shortly after the State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
Dr. Jatau, who also chairs the reconciliation committee between the government and university unions, stated that the approval is part of efforts to ensure that academic activities resume in earnest.
He added that the government had earlier disbursed N265 million to clear promotion arrears for university staff, demonstrating its commitment to resolving the standoff with the unions.
“With this financial commitment, the government has allocated close to a billion naira to ensure an agreement is reached for the immediate reopening of the university,” Dr. Jatau explained.
The Deputy Governor emphasized the administration’s commitment to improving the education sector by fulfilling obligations to staff and ensuring smooth academic activities at the GSU and other institutions.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Salihu Baba Alkali, said the approval is in line with agreements signed between the state government and the donor agencies and development partners.
“You may be aware that Gombe State hosts numerous development partners implementing various projects and programmes, and annual counterpart funding is essential for their continued operation.
This approval demonstrates the Government’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations and ensuring continued execution of development projects and services across the state”, the Commissioner explained.
He listed some of the agencies that received counterpart funding to include Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation 300 million naira; Nigerian Solar for Health Projects 500 million naira; ACReSAL Project: 500 million naira; Sustainable Power Supply in Nigeria (SPIN) Project:500 million naira; SURWASH Programme:100 million naira; Nigeria for Women Project: 200 million naira; ARIN Project:25 million naira; Amen Project: 30 million naira; Sassakawa Project:30 million naira; GOMSACA:40 million naira; IMPACTS:25 million naira; L PRESS :50 million naira; UNPA: 50 million naira.
In a related move, the council also approved over N500 million for water infrastructure at the newly constructed College of Nursing and Midwifery.
Commissioner for Water Resources, Environment, and Forestry, Hon. Mohammed Sa’idu Fawu, revealed that N537 million will fund the construction of a 200-cubic-meter overhead water tank and water reticulation to meet the needs of the college’s students.
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