- Echono highlights TETFund’s funding of over 5,525 infrastructural projects and establishment of 576 faculty and departmental libraries
- TETFund supports 19,297 Institution-Based Research projects and 912 National Research Fund projects to foster impactful research for national development
Arch. Sonny Echono, the Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), revealed that the organization has spearheaded the funding of over 5,525 physical infrastructural projects and facilitated the establishment of over 576 faculty and departmental libraries across tertiary institutions nationwide.
Speaking at the 26th seminar of the Nigerian Academy of Education in Abuja, Echono highlighted TETFund’s commitment to advancing tertiary education in Nigeria through strategic investments.
He noted that the Fund has also provided grants for 19,297 Institution-Based Research (IBR) projects and supported 912 research projects under the National Research Fund (NRF). These initiatives aim to foster impactful research that contributes to national development and addresses global challenges.
Echono emphasized TETFund’s significant contributions to enhancing academic resources, including procuring 3,099,871 library books and sponsoring 845 Academic Research Journals projects. Additionally, the Fund has facilitated the development of 2,307 Academic Manuscripts into Books.
Regarding capacity building, TETFund has sponsored 23,271 academic staff for PhD programs, with 4,598 attending foreign institutions and 18,673 studying within Nigeria. Similarly, 15,977 academic staff were sponsored for master’s degree programs, with 3,525 pursuing studies abroad and 12,452 within the country. Moreover, 911 scholars were sponsored for Benchwork in foreign institutions, and 872 academic staff for Post-Doctoral programs to strengthen scientific research capacity in Nigeria.
Echono underscored the positive impact of government interventions in tertiary institutions, culminating in Nigeria being recognized as one of the six most improved countries in the Time Higher Education Rankings between 2021 and 2022.
TETFund continues to play a pivotal role in driving infrastructural development, research excellence, and capacity building within Nigerian tertiary institutions, contributing significantly to the advancement of education in the country.