TETFund Announces 2025 Intervention: N2.8bn for Universities, N1.9bn for Polytechnics, N2.1bn for Colleges of Education

 



The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has unveiled its 2025 intervention cycle, earmarking substantial funds to support public tertiary institutions across Nigeria. According to the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Architect Sonny Echono, universities will receive N2.8 billion each, polytechnics N1.9 billion, and colleges of education N2.1 billion.

Echono made this announcement during a strategic workshop in Abuja on Thursday, where he outlined the breakdown of allocations. Each university will get N2,560,562,352.66 under normal allocation, with an additional N300,000,000.00 zonal allocation, totaling N2,860,562,352.66. Polytechnics will receive N1,794,335,731.71 in normal allocation, plus N200,000,000.00 zonal allocation, amounting to N1,994,335,731.71. Colleges of education are set to get N1,978,428,260.79, with an extra N200,000,000.00, rounding off at N2,178,428,260.79.

Prioritizing Infrastructure, Research, and Innovation




The 2025 disbursement cycle emphasizes upgrading dilapidated infrastructure, advancing research, and fostering innovation. Echono stressed the importance of fully utilizing previous allocations, urging institutions to accelerate procurement processes to ensure timely access to the 2025 funds.

“In line with the Federal Government’s directives, all Physical Infrastructure Development allocations for 2025 will focus on upgrading, rehabilitating, and renovating aging facilities. This was communicated earlier to enable wide consultations and preparation ahead of time,” Echono stated.

He further highlighted the expanded budget for research, academic staff development, and manuscript production. The Fund has also increased the number of institutions benefiting from special and designated projects.

Breakdown of the 2025 Disbursement Structure

The total direct disbursement constitutes 91.08% of the funds: 48.90% for annual direct disbursement and 42.18% for special direct disbursement. Designated projects account for 8.72%, while stabilization funds make up 0.20%.

Key initiatives under the special direct disbursement category include among others:

(i) Special High Impact Programme (SHIP): Boosting funding and expanding participation.

(ii) National Library completion: Accelerating the long-delayed National Library project in Abuja.

(iii) Student hostels: Promoting Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) to build new hostels, fulfilling the President’s promise to Nigerian students.

(iv) Medical training infrastructure: Expanding facilities to accommodate more students in medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and dentistry.

(v) Technology adoption: Integrating medical simulation tools to enhance learning and patient care.

(vi) Alternative energy solutions: Addressing energy challenges by providing solar and alternative power to selected institutions.

(vii) Campus security and disaster recovery: Strengthening security and ensuring institutions can recover quickly from disruptions.

(viii) Research and innovation support: Expanding the National Research Fund, promoting the Triple Helix initiative (Research Meets Industry), and driving commercialization of research outcomes.

Boosting Agricultural and Skills Development




Echono revealed plans to establish central multipurpose research labs in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt, with three new agricultural demonstration farms added to the existing ones. Engineering workshops and technical labs in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education will receive funding upgrades.

To tackle Nigeria's skills gap, more funds will go into the National Skills Development/TVET program in polytechnics, supporting the production of work-ready graduates.

New Initiatives: From Campus Transport to Innovation Grants

The 2025 intervention cycle introduces fresh initiatives, including:

(a) Diaspora outreach/exchange programs: Strengthening global academic collaborations.

(b) Staff support fund: Supporting university, polytechnic, and college of education staff.

(c) Electric campus tricycles: Providing eco-friendly campus transportation.

(d) Student startup/innovation grants: Empowering student entrepreneurs to turn ideas into viable businesses.

Additionally, 12 new Entrepreneurship for Innovation Hubs will be established in polytechnics and colleges of education to nurture job creators, not just job seekers.

Echono emphasized the importance of modernizing learning environments through TETFund’s Technology for Enhanced Research and Academic Support (TERAS) platform, which digitizes education delivery. He urged institutions to adopt the system fully, aligning Nigeria’s tertiary education with global standards.

Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships

In a strategic move to reduce dependency on government funding, institutions have been encouraged to collaborate with private sector partners to finance infrastructure and manage facilities, particularly student hostels.

Echono reaffirmed TETFund’s commitment to fostering sustainable, resilient, and globally competitive institutions. "Our vision remains to drive innovation, enhance research, and provide world-class infrastructure for our tertiary institutions," he concluded.

With this significant injection of funds, Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education are poised for a transformative leap in infrastructure, research, and student development a vital step toward revitalizing the country’s higher education system.

*****NextGen Spectrum News

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