The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is set to introduce a new “learn to work” scheme in Nigerian universities. This program aims to link students with international companies and provide job opportunities while they are still in school.
Sonny Echono, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, shared this news during a meeting with the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Abuja. He explained that the scheme will allow students to gain experience in areas like ICT and technology and work with global companies while studying. This will help them earn money and secure jobs right after graduation.
Echono noted that similar programs are already helping students in countries like Vietnam, India, Cambodia, China, and others. For example, 24 million students in India are benefiting from such schemes. He said, “Learn to Work” will help Nigerian students earn money and find jobs immediately after finishing their studies.
The program will soon be launched nationwide. TETFund will work with industry partners to visit universities, give aptitude tests, and select students who meet their criteria for training. This training will cover over 40 fields, with courses tailored to industry needs.
Echono also mentioned that this scheme will be available at all tertiary institutions across Nigeria, not just in Abuja and Lagos. Meanwhile, Comrade Lucky Emonefe, the National President of NANS, said that the association has received a positive message from President Bola Tinubu about his commitment to education. NANS has decided not to participate in the planned national protests, recognizing the government’s efforts to stabilize academic institutions through negotiations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
