TETFund unveils bold vision for 2025 reforms

DDM News

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced a strategic plan to enhance Nigeria’s higher education system.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) revealed that this initiative includes increased financial support for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country.

The plan prioritizes infrastructure, research, and academic development to equip institutions for global competitiveness.

At a strategic workshop in Abuja, TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to impactful interventions.

He emphasized the need for continuous performance evaluation and stronger partnerships between TETFund and its beneficiary institutions.

Reflecting on 2024, Echono highlighted several accomplishments achieved through TETFund’s intervention programs.

One major milestone was the introduction of an institution-based skills development program for polytechnics.

The establishment of Career Service Centres across all supported institutions was another significant achievement.

TETFund also launched its inaugural National Tertiary Education Research Fair in November 2024.

This event aimed to promote research, innovation, and academic excellence among Nigerian institutions.

The Fund held several stakeholder engagements to evaluate its previous interventions and plan future improvements.

A strategic meeting with institutional heads was convened to assess the 2023 intervention cycle.

A sensitization workshop was also organized for directors of entrepreneurship, career centres, and librarians.

Additionally, an interactive session with ASUU, SSANU, ASUP, and COEASU leadership was held.

The session provided a platform to discuss ongoing concerns and the future of TETFund’s initiatives.

A crucial meeting on November 11, 2024, allowed TETFund to evaluate project implementation and gather input for 2025 guidelines.

During this period, key challenges such as distressed projects and training suspensions were addressed.

The suspension of foreign training for academic staff was one of the major challenges discussed.

Echono emphasized the need for institutions to fully adopt the BIMS and TERAS platforms.

The 2025 intervention cycle will prioritize upgrading and rehabilitating existing infrastructure in beneficiary institutions.

Institutions are encouraged to consult widely and plan their projects in advance.

The use of consultancy services or physical planning units is recommended for effective project execution.

In the 2025 disbursement structure, universities will receive ₦2,860,562,352.66 each.

Polytechnics will get ₦1,994,335,731.71, while colleges of education will receive ₦2,178,428,260.79.

These allocations aim to support infrastructure, academic development, and research programs.

TETFund has also increased funding for its Special High Impact Programme (SHIP).

Part of this funding will go toward completing the National Library building in Abuja.

Other initiatives include establishing mechanized farms in select universities.

The Fund will accelerate the provision of student hostels through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).

This effort aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to Nigerian students.

TETFund is also focused on expanding infrastructure for medical and health-related programs.

Adopting medical simulation technology will enhance training in universities and colleges of medicine.

Alternative power solutions will be provided to selected institutions to reduce energy costs.

Campus security and disaster recovery measures will also be strengthened under the 2025 plan.

Addressing distressed projects remains a top priority for TETFund.

Research and innovation support will continue through the National Research Fund.

TETFund aims to institutionalize Research and Development (R&D) across Nigerian institutions.

The “Research Meets Industry” initiative will promote collaboration between academia and industry.

Efforts will be made to commercialize research outcomes for national development.

Significant investments will be made in laboratory and agricultural development projects.

New central multipurpose research laboratories will be established in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt.

Two additional laboratories will be built to support research expansion.

Three new agricultural laboratories and demonstration farms will also be set up.

Existing agricultural research facilities will receive additional support.

Under designated projects, engineering workshops and laboratories will be upgraded.

Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) programs in polytechnics will receive increased funding.

TETFund will promote the adoption of digital resources across beneficiary institutions.

ICT Experience Centers and Innovation Hubs will be built to enhance digital learning.

The government’s directive on utilizing digital learning platforms will be enforced.

Blackboard Learning Management System and thesis digitization will be widely implemented.

The TERAS platform will be used to modernize academic and administrative processes.

TETFund is also establishing 12 new Entrepreneurship for Innovation Hubs.

These hubs will be located in polytechnics and colleges of education.

The goal is to foster entrepreneurship and innovation among students.

Institutions are encouraged to form partnerships with the private sector.

Public-Private Partnerships will play a key role in infrastructure development.

Student hostels will be a major focus of these partnerships.

Echono urged institutions to fully utilize their 2024 allocations.

Fast-tracking procurement processes will help institutions access their 2025 disbursements.

TETFund remains committed to advancing tertiary education in Nigeria.

Echono looks forward to further engagements to refine TETFund’s interventions.

This comprehensive strategy sets the stage for sustainable development in Nigeria’s higher education sector

TETFund’s 2025 vision ensures that institutions remain globally competitive and adequately equipped for future challenges.

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