Notwithstanding the power granted to said Board of Regents for Higher Education or Office of Higher Education by section 10a-45, the Governor may, if in his judgment it is more appropriate for a particular federal program or programs pertaining to higher education to be administered by an agency other than said board or office, designate any commissioner, officer or agency of the state, or any group or committee of commissioners or officers of the state, to serve as the sole agency of the state in performing the functions enumerated in the preceding section, and any such agency so designated by the Governor may perform said functions.