The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has continued to redefined the future of Nigeria’s higher education by fostering strategic partnerships with its beneficiary institutions.
Through regular engagement with universities, polytechnics, and colleges, TETFund is driving innovation, enhancing academic standards, and improving institutional infrastructure.
This collaborative approach not only addresses the evolving needs of the education sector but also empowers institutions to play a central role in the nation’s development.
A few days ago, the Fund convened its annual strategic interactive engagement with the heads of beneficiary institutions. The event brought together key stakeholders from Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, including university, polytechnic, and college leaders, government officials, and industry experts.
The gathering was a step toward addressing the challenges facing Nigeria’s higher education institutions and exploring new avenues for growth and development.
TETFund executive secretary, Arch. Sonny Echono, who set the tone for the day, emphasised the critical role of TETFund in transforming Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape. He noted that TETFund’s increased tax allocation, raised from 2.5% to 3% in 2023, underpins the Nigerian government’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s educational infrastructure and human capital.
Echono also stressed the importance of stakeholder collaboration, urging university heads and other academic leaders to work closely with the Fund to ensure that interventions are aligned with national educational priorities.
“Your efforts in shaping the future of our nation’s human capital cannot be overstated,” he said.
He also stated the Fund’s ongoing initiatives, including the launch of Career Service Centres to help students transition from academic life to the workforce, and the upcoming National Research Fair to promote innovation and research excellence across Nigerian universities.
Echono reiterated the importance of feedback and engagement from all stakeholders.
“The path to a better future for our tertiary institutions is one that we must walk together,” he said. “With your insights and contributions, we can ensure that TETFund’s interventions continue to support the development of a world-class education system in Nigeria.”
A goodwill message delivered by Senator Dandutse Muntari Muhammed, chairman of the senate committee on tertiary institutions and TETFund, stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in tackling key challenges such as energy and security in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Muhammed shared the recommendations that emerged during a recent senate committee retreat, including encouraging collaborations with international partners to foster renewable energy solutions and enhancing campus security through law enforcement partnerships.
“We must not only focus on funding but also on creating synergies between academia, industry, and government to ensure that our graduates are equipped with the skills needed to succeed in the global economy,” he stated.
He also emphasised the need for innovation and industry collaboration to bridge the gap between education and employment.
Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, also spoke, emphasising the need for enhanced accountability, research-driven development, and capacity building.
He encouraged TETFund beneficiary institutions to leverage the Fund’s resources not only for infrastructure but also to support professional development and foster partnerships that could enhance the employability of graduates.
“We must ensure that our institutions are not only academically excellent but also responsive to the needs of the modern world,” Dr. Gwarzo said. “By building a culture of research and innovation, we can address national challenges and contribute to the global knowledge economy.”
Gwarzo also spoke on the need for greater inclusivity within the education system, urging universities to develop strategies that promote access to education for marginalized communities and support students who face challenges in completing their studies.
He called for a collective effort to make Nigerian education globally competitive, noting that the future of the country’s higher education system lies in the hands of its leaders.
Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of TETFund, called for the removal of politics from the education sector to achieve real development.
He urged universities to explore ways of generating their own funds rather than relying solely on government support.
“Let me start by commending ASUU for creating this intervention agency 21 years ago. The Fund has kept faith with the low establishment rate in our higher institutions, and that’s why we have some of the best institutions in the country. After 21 years, some institutions, with no apologies, and some people outside, see that the Fund is not just an intervention agency, but an agency that must shield its own responsibilities in education, which I believe is right,” he said.
“I think it is high time we start thinking about how to fund education in a sustainable way. We see intervention. Believe me, after 2 or 3 months, I, as Chairman, receive requests from institutions, especially those that know me or know someone who knows me.”
