The semester system which is run by Nigeria’s tertiary institutions especially the universities may soon be reviewed.This hint was dropped recently by the Minister of Education Prof. Rukayyat  Rufai at an interactive session with journalists in Abuja .She spoke within the context of the ongoing plan to change the education system from the 6-3-3-4.She said ,in fact, the semester system is not giving room for thorough study of courses and it is her hope that it will be reviewed  in due course.Prof. Rukayyat  also said all single course tertiary institutions will soon be mandated to expand ,all in a bid to facilitate access to higher education in Nigeria.

The minister of education  was one of the those   who addressed the media about the strident efforts the President Goodluck Jonathan administration is making in various ministries and departments .Other ministers present at the briefing  included Professor  Onyebuchi  Chukwu, health; Godsday Orubebe ,Niger Delta , and Information and Culture Minister, Prof Dora Akunyili whose ministry coordinated the event .Newsdiaryonline learnt  that the briefings were   meant to bridge the information gap between the ministries and the media

Speaking on the activities of her ministry, Rukayyat said she has come up with a roadmap which focuses on four areas namely access; quality and standards;technical and vocational training, and funding.She said as a minister of education she is giving attention to strengthening the system to ensure proper coordination and better result.

Orubebe identified four critical challenges facing the Niger Delta.They include the issue of poor infrastructure; environmental degradation;youth unemployment and general poverty.In his view, the Goodluck Jonathan regime which is an offshoot of the Umaru YarAdua administration  is not resting on its laurels, as efforts are being stepped up to strengthen  the post amnesty programmes.The progress made, he said is responsible for the high oil production level which is now between 2.3m to 2.5m barrels per day after falling down  to about 700,000 barrels per day during the era of militancy in the Niger Delta.

Orubebe said construction of the 730 km coastal roads is being given priority.With the roads, the tourism potentials of the Niger Delta will come to light he said.He also spoke about the Niger Delta masterplan which is being fine tuned as well as the East -West Rail  line also being processed  for award perhaps next year .He denied reports that he shunned the National Assembly which reportedly invited him.

On his part,the minister of health emphasised what he called Action Push agenda which is anchored on  teamwork and continuity.He said among others  that the National Health Bill is with the National Assembly.