The Federal Government has recently inaugurated a new Governing Board for the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) with a vision to enhance the quality and accessibility of tertiary education in Nigeria. This new leadership is set to address key issues in the sector and work towards improving educational standards across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
The newly appointed board is entering at a crucial time for Nigerian higher education. Their role will be essential in advancing TETFund’s mission to support educational institutions and foster academic excellence. The board’s agenda includes various initiatives aimed at promoting research and development, upgrading infrastructure, and ensuring that institutions are equipped to meet modern educational demands.
One of the main goals for the new board is to build on the progress TETFund has made in recent years. This includes not only utilizing existing resources but also seeking new funding opportunities to better support educational institutions. By aligning with national educational goals and addressing the needs of students and faculty, the board aims to create a more responsive and dynamic higher education system.
The leadership of the board will be closely observed as they implement policies to advance educational standards and support institutional growth. President Bola Tinubu has appointed former Katsina State Governor Aminu Masari as the chairman of the board. Other members include Senator Sani Danladi, Mr. Sunday Adepoju, Mr. Nurudeen Adeyemi, Mrs. Esther Ukachukwu, Mr. Turaki Ibrahim, and Mr. Aboh Eduyok. Each member brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the board, which will be critical in achieving its objectives.
During the inauguration in Abuja, TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arch. Sonny Echono, praised the new board members for their appointments and emphasized the importance of their role. He expressed confidence that the board would meet the challenges ahead and assured them of TETFund’s ongoing support.
Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, also addressed the board, highlighting the high expectations the government has for them. He encouraged the board to use their networks to attract resources and support for educational institutions. Professor Mamman outlined several challenges facing the education sector, including low university capacity and unstable academic calendars due to strikes. He advised the board to focus on innovative strategies for resource allocation rather than allowances and privileges.
ASUU President Professor Emmanuel Osodeke emphasized the importance of wisely managing TETFund resources to foster development. He pointed out that TETFund is the primary source of support for tertiary education in Nigeria and urged the board to address the issues with current campus projects that remain incomplete.
The Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Prof. Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle, also congratulated the board and acknowledged their appointment during a period of significant educational reforms in Nigeria. He assured them of cooperation from the agency and colleges to ensure the smooth progress of their work.
