Victoria Mgbanwa
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has made a bold move to boost Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. In the 2025 disbursement cycle, TETFund has significantly increased its allocations for research, innovation, and infrastructure development.
The Executive Secretary of TETFUND, Arc. Sonny S.T. Echono stated this at the Strategic Workshop with Heads of Institutions at the TETFund Auditorium, Abuja.
He emphasized it’s commitment to improving tertiary education through targeted interventions.
“Our goal remains to enhance the impact of the interventions by focusing on performance evaluation and strengthening partnerships between the Fund and the institutions we support,” he stated.
With a total direct disbursement of ₦2.86 trillion for universities, ₦1.99 trillion for polytechnics, and ₦2.18 trillion for colleges of education, this is one of the most ambitious funding plans in TETFund’s history, the Executive Secretary added.
In his words“TETFund has increased funding for Research and innovation support will continue with provision for the National Research Fund, institutionalization of R&D, existing an expanding partnerships, Research meets Industry (Triple Helix initiative), and commercialization of research outcomes.”
He further added that the Fund will also introduce new initiatives, including Diaspora Outreach/Exchange Programs, Staff Support Funds, and Student Startup/Innovation Grants.
A major highlight of the 2025 intervention cycle is the expansion of medical education infrastructure to increase student intake for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
“This will include the adoption of medical simulation technology, alternative energy provisions for institutions struggling with high electricity costs, and enhanced campus security measures.”
Echono acknowledged the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for its improved revenue collection, which has helped sustain TETFund’s interventions.
He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for prioritizing education funding.
As the 2025 disbursement cycle commences, the TETFund boss urged heads of institutions to fully utilize their previous allocations while fast-tracking procurement processes to access new funds.
“Our collective effort aims to revitalize the tertiary education sector by minimizing distractions and fostering a collaborative approach,” he concluded.
