Senate President Bukola Saraki has commended the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) for raising concern over the increasing budget of independent agencies and parastatals.

Saraki gave the commendation during the plenary on Thursday, saying that “funds are becoming higher, until we ensure full transparency we cannot fully maximise the resources.”

This emanated from the report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND on Gross Mismanagement of Education Tax Fund submitted by Senator Jibrin Barau who represents Kano North.

Senator Adamu Aliero, representing Kebbi Central, while contributing to the debate, said the state funds should be submitted to National Assembly and advocated that all Tertiary institutions must be treated equally.

Another lawmaker, Senator Ahmed Lawan of Yobe North lamented that all institutions have committees based on their needs, and many don't keep to the standard set up by TETFUND.

Senator Adeola Olamilekan of Lagos West also commended the efforts of the Committee on TETFUND, saying that the level of misappropriation is alarming as seen in the Auditor General’s query, adding that the Committee had done well, owing to the difficulties encountered in getting the Executive Secretary to disclose how funds are disbursed.

The lawmaker however, called for the amendment of the Act and involvement of the National Assembly to ensure accountability and measure performance.

•Photo shows Senate President Saraki.