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  • Why TETFUND will not be scrapped, by Education Minister

    Why TETFUND will not be scrapped, by Education Minister

    The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has described the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) as a cornerstone of development in the nation’s tertiary institutions, noting that the agency will not be scrapped in the Tax Reform Bill.

    Alausa spoke on Friday in Lagos at a one-day Strategic Engagement with Heads of Institutions, Bursars, and Heads of Procurement of Beneficiary Institutions organised by TETFUND.

    The Minister allayed the fears of many stakeholders in the education space that TETFUND will be scrapped, stressing that President Bola Tinubu has approved more funding for the agency with 50 per cent development levy inclusive.

    Alausa said: “TETFund’s unwavering efforts in improving access, infrastructure and academic capacity across the nation tertiary education landscape deserve commendation.

    “TETFUND will continue into eternity. The president has worked with the National Assembly on various amendments to the tax law.

    The Fund has saved our tertiary institutions; if they maximise the funds they get effectively, they will be able to compete with other global institutions. It has remained a cornerstone in the nation’s tertiary institutions.”

    The Minister also warned underperforming institutions in the utilisation of TETFUND funds, saying any institution that consistently underperforms and fails to meet enrollment benchmarks, or violates procurement protocols, risks being delisted as a TETFUND beneficiary.

    Read Also: TETFUND applauds TASUED for project implementation

    He described it as a necessary measure to protect the integrity of the intervention framework and ensure equity in resource distribution.

    Executive Secretary of TETFUND, Sonny Echono, said the focus for the 2025 intervention cycle is anchored on consolidation and sustainability, stressing that priority has been placed on the completion of existing and abandoned projects, infrastructural rehabilitation, and the establishment of innovation hubs and entrepreneurship development centres.

    Echono said, despite suspending the foreign scholarship component, TETFUND remains committed to enhancing the skills and capacity of academic staff.

    He noted that the Fund continues to place emphasis on locally driven academic development programmes and professional development, ensuring that scholars can continue to receive top-tier training, albeit within a more manageable cost framework.

    He said to address sectoral challenges, the Fund has established two dedicated committees, the Committee on Power and the Committee on Special High Impact (SHIP) to Medical Colleges, to address critical issues in these sectors.

    According to him, the Committee on Power focuses on improving energy infrastructure in institutions, while the Committee on SHIP to Medical colleges concentrates on enhancing the facilities and capacity to increase the intake of students. 

    He said 18 universities have benefited from this Special High Impact Projects aimed at improving medical training infrastructure.

  • TETFUND applauds TASUED for project implementation

    TETFUND applauds TASUED for project implementation

    The Southwest Zone of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has commended the management of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, for its effective utilisation of TETFund allocations and the high quality of executed projects.

    The commendation was given by the Chairman of TETFund’s Board of Trustees for the Southwest Zone, Hon. Sunday Adepoju, during a recent familiarisation and project inspection visit to the institution.

    Hon. Adepoju praised the university’s strict adherence to TETFund standards, stating that both the completed and ongoing projects reflect excellent quality and proper management.

    He expressed delight at visiting the TASUED campus for the first time, admitting that he had previously underestimated the institution, believing it to be just another College of Education. 

    However, after touring the facilities and witnessing the university’s academic and vocational strides, he described TASUED as a truly 21st-century university.

    “I am very pleased with what I’ve seen here. Let me state it categorically, there are no abandoned projects here in TASUED, in fact because of the COVID 19 pandemic, there had to be upward review of the cost of some of the projects and the University Management had to raise money from internally generated funds to complete the projects, am impressed”, Hon Adepoju noted.

    “If I had my way, I would propose that TASUED be renamed the *Federal University of Technical Education*, because the institution is clearly a pacesetter for other Universities, particularly in the area of vocational training. I am truly impressed by what I’ve seen, and I am deeply interested,” he added.

    Hon. Adepoju explained that the purpose of the visit was not only to familiarise the team with TASUED’s environment, but also to evaluate how previously disbursed funds have been utilised.

    He added that it was also to assess the institution’s maintenance culture, identify any abandoned or ongoing projects, and determine what steps could be taken to ensure timely completion and greater impact.

    Hon Adepoju reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to revitalise the Education sector through several policy initiatives and programmes under the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda.’

    He assured the University Community that he would continue to provide effective leadership and work to foster national unity while advocating for equitable development, particularly across the Southwest zone.

    The visit by the TETFund delegation offered an assessment of the implementation and impact of its funded projects within the University.

    Read Also: Reps consider inter-varsity centres as beneficiaries of TETFund’s financial support

    The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Oluwole Banjo, welcomed the Chairman of the Southwest Zone, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Board of Trustees, Hon. Sunday Adepoju, who led a delegation on a familiarisation and project inspection visit to the institution.

    The Vice-Chancellor expressed profound appreciation to the visiting team for their continued support and strategic interventions, which, he noted, have significantly contributed to the growth of the University and to the development of Education in Nigeria at large.

    He emphasised that the Fund’s commitment to infrastructural development, capacity building and research support has enhanced TASUED’s ability to deliver on its core mandate.

    Other Principal Officers who accompanied Prof. Banjo to receive the guests were the Registrar, Mr. Dapo Oke, FCIA, MANUPA; the Bursar, Mr. Kabiru Ogunleye, FCAI; the Acting Librarian, Mr. Omotayo Quadri; the Director, Works & Services, Mr. Sunday Williams, among others

    On the entourage of the TETFund team were Engr. Taiwo Lukman, the Southwest Zonal Coordinator, and Arch. Musa Okunlola.

  • Reps consider inter-varsity centres as beneficiaries of TETFund’s financial support

    Reps consider inter-varsity centres as beneficiaries of TETFund’s financial support

    The House of Representatives is considering the inclusion of inter–university centres as beneficiaries of the financial assistance provided through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for improved training and research.

    The House announced this as it passed for the second reading a Bill seeking to include the centres sponsored by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu and eight other lawmakers, including Tolani Shagaya (APC, Kwara).

    The inter-university centres include National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Abuja; National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN), Aba, Abia State; Nigerian French Language Village (NFLV), Badagry, Lagos State; and National Arabic Language Village, Ngala, Borno State.

    Shagaya led the debate on the general principles of the Bill and what it aims to achieve.

    The lawmaker recalled that TETFund was established under the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Establishment) Act, Number 16 of 2011 to provide supplementary support for the general development of public tertiary institutions across the federation.

    He added: “Inter-university centres support the entire university ecosystem by offering centralised expertise, hosting advanced research, conducting nationwide language training, and enhancing academic cooperation across institutions.

    “Yet, because they are not classified as traditional universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education, they have been excluded from the funding streams that sustain similar tertiary institutions.

    “This situation has placed the inter-universities centres at a serious disadvantage — leaving them underfunded, under-equipped, and undervalued, despite their clear national mandate. This Bill seeks to correct that anomaly and to ensure that inter-university centres are recognised for their contributions and supported accordingly.

    Read Also: TETFUND threatens to cut financial support to non-performing institutions

    “The Bill proposes following key amendments to the Principal Act – (a) Amendment of section 4 which provides for the recognition of inter-university centres under the Act; (b) Amendment of section 7 which provides for a new allocation/sharing ratio of 2:1:1:1 which will consequently provide for funding of the inter-university centres (this ratio is could be further adjusted at the committee stage when inputs of stakeholders have been taken); and (c) Amendment of section 20 which provides for the interpretation and meaning of ‘inter-university centres’.

    “This is a practical and inclusive amendment that ensures no vital academic institution is left behind. By providing for the recognition of inter-university centres as eligible beneficiaries of the tax imposed under the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Act, the inter-university centres would be reinforced, become stronger, and become more coherent structural support for the nation’s tertiary education system.”

  • TETFund to sanction non-performing institutions

    TETFund to sanction non-performing institutions

    The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has threatened to sanction beneficiary tertiary institutions that fail to meet its performance benchmarks or mismanage allocated funds.

    The agency said it would de-list such tertiary institutions from its support programmes.

    Its Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, gave the warning at a one-day strategic engagement with heads of institutions, bursars, and heads of procurement of the agency’s beneficiary institutions yesterday in Abuja.

    Echono said the policy was not designed to punish but to safeguard the credibility and impact of the fund’s interventions.

    He said: “Let me be clear. Institutions that consistently fail to access, utilise or retire funds appropriately or that fall short of enrollment and academic performance thresholds risk being. delisted as TETFund beneficiary institutions.”

    Echono announced the intention of TETFund to ensure that its resources are directed towards institutions that stay committed to high standards of governance, transparency, and accountability.

    The executive secretary said the strategic engagement was targeted at addressing recurring challenges in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, improving project execution, and enhancing the quality of education.

    READ ALSO: Utomi’s search for vision of good society

    A key focus, he said, is the Academic Staff Training and Development (AST&D) intervention.

    Echono said due to rising costs and incidents of scholars absconding, the foreign component of the TETFund Scholarship for Academic Staff (TSAS) was suspended as of January 1, his year, with emphasis now shifted to cost-effective, locally driven training.

    The executive secretary said this year’s intervention budget prioritises consolidation, sustainability, and the completion of abandoned projects.

    He added: “This engagement is not merely a meeting but a strategic convergence. It is designed to address recurring issues of concern, streamline project implementation and enhance the overall quality of tertiary education delivery in our nation.

    “As we move forward, let us approach today’s discussions with openness, collaboration, and a shared vision to elevate our institutions and the students we serve.

    “Together, we can strengthen accountability, drive innovation, and ensure that the legacy of TETFUND remains impactful, equitable and enduring for generations to come.”

    The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, restated the need for the meeting to evaluate the implementation and impact of TETFund – supported projects in higher education institutions.

    The NUC boss, who was represented by Dr. Joshua Atah, lauded TETFund’s vital role in improving infrastructure, research, staff development, and academic quality.

    He noted that without the fund’s support, public education would struggle to survive.

    Ribadu acknowledged the adaptability of TETFund’s policies, such as suspending international scholarships to reallocate resources more effectively.

    He urged tertiary institutions to be more responsive and ensure that interventions remain relevant and efficiently executed.

  • TETFUND threatens to cut financial support to non-performing institutions

    TETFUND threatens to cut financial support to non-performing institutions

    The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) has threatened to cut financial support to beneficiary tertiary institutions that fail to meet performance benchmarks or mismanage allocated funds.

    The agency said it would de-list such tertiary institutions from its support programmes.

    Executive Secretary of TETFUND, Sonny Echono gave the warning at a one-day strategic engagement with heads of institutions, bursars, and heads of procurement of the agency’s beneficiary institutions in Abuja on Monday.

    Echono said the policy was not meant to punish, but rather safeguard the credibility and impact of TETFUND interventions.

    He said: “Let me be clear, institutions that consistently fail to access, utilise or retire funds appropriately, or that fall short of enrollment and academic performance thresholds, risk being delisted as TETFUND beneficiary institutions.”

    He also disclosed the intention of TETFUND to ensure that its resources were directed towards institutions that were committed to high standards of governance, transparency, and accountability.

    Echono said the strategic engagement was targeted at addressing recurring challenges in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, improving project execution, and enhancing the quality of education.

    A key focus, he said, was the Academic Staff Training and Development (AST&D) intervention.

    He said due to rising costs and incidents of scholars absconding, the foreign component of the TETFUND Scholarship for Academic Staff (TSAS) was suspended as of January 1, 2025 with emphasis now shifted to cost-effective, locally driven training.

    Echono said this year’s intervention budget prioritises consolidation, sustainability, and the completion of abandoned projects.

    He added: “This engagement is not merely a meeting but a strategic convergence. It is designed to address recurring issues of concern, streamline project implementation, and enhance the overall quality of tertiary education delivery in our nation.

    “As we move forward, let us approach today’s discussions with openness, collaboration, and a shared vision to elevate our institutions and the students we serve.

    “Together, we can strengthen accountability, drive innovation, and ensure that the legacy of TETFUND remains impactful, equitable and enduring for generations to come.”

    Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Abdullahi Ribadu emphasised the importance of the meeting for evaluating the implementation and impact of TETFUND – supported projects in higher education institutions.

    The NUC chief, who was represented by Dr. Joshua Atah appreciated TETFUND’s vital role in improving infrastructure, research, staff development, and academic quality, stating that without its support, public education would struggle to survive.

    Prof. Ribadu acknowledged the adaptability of TETFUND’s policies, such as suspending international scholarships to reallocate resources more effectively.

    Read Also: TETFUND rates YABATECH high on projects

    He urged tertiary institutions to be more responsive and ensure that interventions were relevant and efficiently executed.

    Ribadu encouraged judicious and timely use of funds and called for open and constructive dialogue during the engagement.

    “This calls for greater responsiveness also on the part of the institutions. This responsiveness also includes the areas of the design and implementation of these interventions to ensure that they remain relevant, impactful, and aligned with the future of education in Nigeria.

    “It’s also important that we judiciously utilise these resources, and not just judicious utilisation but also in a timely manner so that we don’t lose the fund,” he said.

  • 18 varsities listed for TETFund’s N110b projects

    18 varsities listed for TETFund’s N110b projects

    The training of medical students in public universities in the country is soon to enter a new phase.

    Reason: The Federal Government  yesterday announced a N110 billion investment to enhance  the study of Medicine, Dentistry, Pharmacy and Nursing in 18 universities.   

    The  institutions  whose medical schools are listed as beneficiaries  by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund)  are University of Lagos, University of Ibadan,  University of Benin,  Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, University of Medical Sciences in Ondo, Nnamdi Azikiwe University in  Awka, Bayelsa State University, and Imo State University, Owerri. 

    Others are Benue State University, Makurdi; Umar Musa Yar’Adua University, Katsina; University of Nigeria, Nssuka and University of Calabar, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi; University of Jos; University of Ilorin; University of Maiduguri; Uthman Danfodio University in Sokoto and   Gombe State University.

    All the listed tertiary institutions of learning are receive approximately N4 billion, including N750 million  meant  for   hostel construction .

    Read Also: An anatomy of the Delta PDP defections

      Education Minister  Tunji Alausa  made this known  while inaugurating the ministerial committee on TETFund High Impact Intervention Project for Medical Schools’ Rehabilitation Across the six geo-political zones   in Abuja yesterday.

    Alausa said  the investment, which will run for five years consecutively, would hit N1.5 trillion after five years.

    “Today(yesterday), we are deploying over 100 billion in our medical institutions across the country. This N110 billion includes N70 billion on rehabilitation of our medical institutions,’’ he stated.

    The minister  said the investment would lead to a massive increase in enrolment for the four medical science  programmes.

    “With the investment now,  in five years we would have invested N1.5 trillion in our medical education,” Alausa  said, adding that the move would also see the establishment of eight simulation laboratories  across the six zones.

    While expressing the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to improving medical education    and    healthcare delivery in the country, the minister described  the TETFUND High Impact Intervention Project as a direct response to the need to upgrade and expand the facilities in  medical schools.

    Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, said the initiative would lead to the production of medical doctors in the country and end education tourism in medical sciences.

    She added: “TETFund High Impact Intervention Project for Medical Schools Rehabilitation is one of the government’s key initiatives to foster excellence in medical education, enhance the quality of healthcare training, and equip our future doctors and healthcare professionals with the skills and facilities necessary to meet the demands of an ever-evolving medical landscape.

    “The government, through the intervention of TETFund, has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to improving these facilities. This initiative seeks to rehabilitate and upgrade medical schools across the country, ensuring that the next generation of healthcare professionals is trained in state-of-the-art environments that reflect global best practices.”

    Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, said the committee was conceived as part of the  minister’s initiative to enhance the  education system, specifically  medical schools by utilising the TETFund High Impact Intervention Projects efficiently and effectively to address critical national needs in the health sector.

    He said: “This has been designed to improve infrastructure in medical schools, through the rehabilitation of lecture theatres and laboratory facilities thereby enhancing capacity to take-in and produce more Doctors, Nurses. Dentists and pharmacists for the nation.”

    Echono  called on the members of the committee to give their best in ensuring the success of the initiative.

    The 12-man committee is chaired by Prof. Suleiman Alabi  of the Association of Provosts of Colleges of Medicine. 

    Its  terms of reference   include ensuring adherence to project goals, monitoring the proper use of funds, and maintaining detailed records.

    The committee was also charged to  ensure that the funds allocated for  the rehabilitation of medical schools were judiciously  used. 

  • UNIBEN, UNILAG, 16 other varsities to share N110bn to train doctors, pharmacists, others

    UNIBEN, UNILAG, 16 other varsities to share N110bn to train doctors, pharmacists, others

    The Federal Government through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced a N110 billion investment towards enhancing the study of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and nursing in 18 universities across the country.

    According to the government, each of the 18 benefiting institutions would receive approximately N4 billion, including N750 million for hostel construction.

    The benefiting universities for the TETFund High Impact Intervention Project for Medical Schools Rehabilitation are Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; Bayelsa State University; University of Lagos; Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria; University of Benin and Imo State University, Owerri.

    Others are University of Medical Sciences Ondo; University of Ibadan; Benue State University, Makurdi; Umar Musa Yar’Adua University, Katsina; University of Nigeria, Nssuka and University of Calabar.

    The list also includes Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi; University of Jos; University of Ilorin; University of Maiduguri; Uthman Danfodio University Sokoto, and Gombe State University.

    Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, made this known while inaugurating the ministerial committee on TETFund High Impact Intervention Project for Medical Schools Rehabilitation Across the Six Geo-political Zones on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Alausa said the investment, which will run for five years consecutively, would hit N1.5 trillion after five years.

    The minister said: “Today, we are deploying over 100 billion in our medical institutions across the country. This N110 billion includes N70 billion on rehabilitation of our medical institutions.”

    He stated that the investment would lead to massive increase in enrolment for the four medical sciences programmes.

    Read Also: UNIBEN pharmaceutical students celebrate golden jubilee

    “With the investment today, in five years we would have invested N1.5 trillion in our medical education,” the minister said, adding that the move would also see the establishment of eight simulation labs across the six geo-political zones.

    While expressing the commitment of President Bola Tinubu to improving medical education in Nigeria and ultimately improving healthcare delivery in the country, Alausa said the TETFUND High Impact Intervention Project is a direct response to the need to upgrade and expand the facilities in Nigerian medical schools, ensuring that they are equipped with the latest technologies and resources.

    He added that this was a significant milestone in the government’s commitment.

    Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, said the initiative would lead to production of medical doctors in the country and end education tourism in medical sciences.

    She added: “TETFund High Impact Intervention Project for Medical Schools Rehabilitation is one of the government’s key initiatives to foster excellence in medical education, enhance the quality of healthcare training, and equip our future doctors and healthcare professionals with the skills and facilities necessary to meet the demands of an ever-evolving medical landscape.

    “The government, through the intervention of TETFund, has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to improving these facilities. This initiative seeks to rehabilitate and upgrade medical schools across the country, ensuring that the next generation of healthcare professionals is trained in state-of-the-art environments that reflect global best practices.”

    Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, said the setting up of the committee was conceived as part of the Minister’s initiative to enhance the Nigerian education system, specifically the Medical Schools by utilising the TETFund High Impact Intervention Projects efficiently and effectively to address critical national needs in the health sector. 

    He said: “This has been designed to improve infrastructure in medical schools, through the rehabilitation of lecture theatres and laboratory facilities thereby enhancing capacity to take-in and produce more Doctors, Nurses. Dentists and pharmacists for the nation.”

    He called on the members of the committee to give their best in ensuring the success of the initiative.

    The 12-man committee, which is chaired by Prof. Suleiman Alabi-Chairman of the Association of Provosts of Colleges of Medicine, has its terms of reference to include ensuring adherence to project goals, monitoring the proper use of funds, and maintaining detailed records.

    The committee was also charged to ensure that the funds allocated to the rehabilitation of medical schools are used effectively as well as be responsible for ensuring that all stakeholders—including medical school administrators, faculty, students, and relevant health bodies—are fully engaged throughout the project’s implementation. 

  • Echono: ‘TETFund will explore innovation to spur growth’

    Echono: ‘TETFund will explore innovation to spur growth’

    Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Executive Secretary Sonny Echono has said that the recently-held TETFund National Research Fair/Exhibition aligns with its aspiration to use technology to spur national economic growth.

    Echono, who made this known in Abuja on Monday, said the initiative aimed at transforming Nigeria’s economy through research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

    The Fund, between November 18 and 21, held a tech fair which showcased research outcomes from TETFund’s beneficiary institutions and other innovations from private individuals, connecting them to industries for commercialisation.

    Read Also: TETFund splashes billions on higher institutions

    According to him, the expo was driven by three key realisations, which included that the most assured path for sustainable transformation of the nation’s economy was research and innovation.

    He said: “It lies in harnessing our intellectual assets, converting those into products and services to address our national challenges, shortfalls, and also to exploit the opportunities that exist in various sectors of our economy.

    “So, we believe strongly that research, development, innovation and entrepreneurship have a major role to play in transforming this economy from a consumptive to a productive one.”

    Echono also said in spite of the significant investments in research over the years, many innovations had remained confined to bookshelves and academic papers.

    He, therefore, noted that the expo sought to bridge the gap between research and marketable products by showcasing Nigerian-made inventions across various industries.

  • TETFUND plans strategic partnership with NILDS

    TETFUND plans strategic partnership with NILDS

    The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) team led by its Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, has visited the headquarters of the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NIFLDS), in Abuja.

     The working visit, aimed at promoting strategic cooperation came on the recent announcement by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through TETFUND, to focus more on restoration of infrastructure in tertiary institutions at the state and federal levels.

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     The NILDS is an organ of the National Assembly that supports the sustenance of dynamic and effective Legislature in Nigeria; at Federal, State and Local levels and the ECOWAS sub-region.

     The TETFUND team was received by the Director General of NILDS, Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, who expressed eagerness on the possibility of collaboration between the two agencies. Through its training programmes, NILDS enhances the capacities of legislators and staff to become more effective in carrying out their mandate; while TETFUND on its own, provides funding for educational facilities and infrastructural development.

  • TETFund splashes billions on higher institutions

    TETFund splashes billions on higher institutions

    • Each varsity, polytechnic, CoE gets N2.8b, N1.9b, N2.1b, says agency boss

    The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced the disbursement of this year’s intervention to various tiers of tha nation’s higher education.

    The agency said public universities will get over N2.8 billion each; each polytechnic will get N1,994,335,731.71, while every Colleges of Education will receive N2,178,428,260.79 each.

    TETFund’s Executive Secretary Sonny Echono announced the disbursement at a strategic workshop with heads of beneficiary institutions on this year’s disbursement guidelines yesterday in Abuja.

    Echono said: “Under this current disbursement cycle, each university will get N2,560,562,352.66 under normal allocation, with an additional N300,000,000.00 for zonal allocation, making N2,860,562,352.66 for each university.

    “Each polytechnic will get N1,794,335,731.71 for normal allocation, with N200,000,000.00 for zonal allocation, amounting to N1,994,335,731.71.

    “Each College of Education will receive N1,978,428,260.79 for normal allocation, with N200,000,000.00 for zonal allocation, amounting to N2,178,428,260.79.”

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    He urged all heads of the beneficiary institutions to ensure the full utilisation of previous years’ allocations while fast-tracking the procurement process to access their 2025 allocations.

    The executive secretary noted that in line with the Federal Government’s directives, all physical infrastructure development allocations for 2025 would be directed toward the upgrading, rehabilitation, and renovation of dilapidated infrastructure in the beneficiary institutions.

    He said: “This was communicated to you earlier to enable you to consult widely and prepare your projects ahead of time. You were also advised to employ the services of your consultancy units and/or physical planning units in the preparation of projects. Under the current disbursement cycle, the fund has significantly increased the allocation for research and innovation, academic staff training and development, as well as manuscript and book development.

    “It has also significantly increased the number of beneficiary institutions for its special and designated projects.”

    Giving a breakdown of this year’s allocations, Echono said: “The total direct disbursement of 91.08 per cent is made up of 48.90 per cent as annual direct disbursement and 42.18 per cent as special direct disbursement. Designated projects account for 8.72 per cent, while stabilisation funds make up 0.20 per cent. In this regard, each category of beneficiary institution has been allocated the annual direct disbursement as follows…”

    “Under the special direct disbursement category, key initiatives include increased funding and expanded participation in the Special High Impact Programme (SHIP), completion of the National Library building in Abuja, establishment of mechanised farms in some universities, and accelerated provision of student hostels through public-private partnerships (PPP) and direct construction in fulfillment of the President’s promise to Nigerian students and in furtherance of plans for our institutions.

    “Other key focus areas in the 2025 disbursement guidelines include expanding infrastructure to enhance student intake for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists in our universities and colleges of medicine, adoption of medical simulation and technology to improve curriculum delivery and patient care, provision of alternative power to selected beneficiary institutions to mitigate current difficulties in coping with energy costs.

    “Other priorities include addressing campus security, enabling disaster recovery, and completing previously distressed projects. Research and innovation support will continue with provision for the National Research Fund, institutionalisation of R&D, expanding partnerships, Research Meets Industry (Triple Helix initiative), and commercialization of research outcomes.”

    According to him, TETFund is also making significant investments in laboratory and agricultural development.

    He added: “Additional funding has been allocated for the recently approved central multipurpose research laboratories in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt, along with the establishment of two new ones.

    “Three new agricultural laboratories/demonstration farms will be set up, with additional support for the existing ones. Under designated projects, we will provide funding for the upgrading of engineering workshops and laboratories in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

    “There will also be increased funding for the National Skills Development/TVET program in our polytechnics. Some of the new intervention lines introduced include: Diaspora Outreach/Exchange Program, Staff Support Fund for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, provision of electric tricycles for campus transportation, and Student Startup/Innovation Grants.”

    Echono also announced that TETFund was establishing 12 new entrepreneurship for innovation hubs in polytechnics and colleges of education.

    He said the agency’s TERAS platform would digitise and modernise learning institutions, aligning with global standards.

    “We have consistently encouraged beneficiaries to make the best use of the platform as we sustain our collaborations and subscriptions to these learning management systems.

    “As part of our commitment to reducing reliance on government funding, institutions are requested to foster partnerships with the private sector for infrastructure development and facility management, starting with student hostels,” Echono said.

    The meeting was attended by representatives of critical education sectors and unions, including the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).