Harvest of infrastructure as Ekiti, Anambra benefit from TETFUND interventions
IT has been harvest of projects in public tertiary institutions across the country in the past one year. These are made possible through the interventions of Arc Sonny Echono- led Tertiary Education Trust Fund ( TETFUND).
Just recently, about seven projects were commissioned at the Federal College of Education ( Technical) Bichi, Kano. Within the same period, six projects were also commissioned at the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State.
Other public tertiary institutions impacted in the state by TETFUND include: Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka; Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Uli; Anambra Polytechnic, Mgbakwu; Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe as well as Federal College of Education ( Technical), Umunze.
Shortly before then, Echono’s team was in Ekiti State for the commissioning of six projects sponsored by TETFUND across three universities.
The projects include vocational education workshop at Bamidele Olumilua University of Education,
Science and Technology ( BOUESTI), Ikere- Ekiti; Faculty of Social Sciences’ twin lecture theatre and Medical Ward for the University Health Centre, Ekiti State University, AdoEkiti as well the construction and furnishing of lecture theatre Block ‘ A’ for the Faculty of Science at the Federal University, Oye- Ekiti ( FUOYE).
President Muhammadu Buhari who conducted the exercise was represented by the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo, and he commended the Executive Secretary of TETFUND, Echono and his team for their commitment towards effective discharge of the Fund’s mandate for the development of public tertiary education in the country.
Mr. President expressed his administration’s focus on providing enabling infrastructure and facilities for institutions to be globally competitive since “education remains one of the critical indices for socio- economic development in any country.”
He added that the Federal Government through Tetfund has spent over N600 million on 155 lecturers from BUOSTI in both
local and foreign institutions for Masters and Ph. D programmes.
He said, “Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, education as we all know, plays a critical role in the socioeconomic development of nations, and therefore, the commissioning of these projects will today at the University would in no small measure further enhance teaching and learning and improvement of academic standards.
“It is on record that through the support of the Federal Government, TETFUND has performed exceptionally well in the provision of physical infrastructure, support for academic staff training and development, book publication, ICT, Research and Development among others in public tertiary educational institutions across the country.”
For the Executive Secretary, the commissioning exercise pointed to nothing but efficient management, prudence and success in the execution and delivery of projects funded from public funds allocated by the Federal Government through TETFUND for the provision of requisite infrastructure to aid teaching, learning and research in tune with mandate of the Fund.
“TETFUND as an interventionist agency that was established by the Act of Parliament, has ensured equity in the allocation of funds to the three tiers of its beneficiaries in line with the enabling laws governing the activities of the agency.
“We commend the universities’ management for ensuring quality delivery of these iconic projects and for sticking substantially to the terms of delivery approved by the Fund.
“As we commission these projects, let me implore management of the institutions to ensure proper usage and maintenance of the facilities to serve generations coming behind to acquire learning in the institutions.”
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, BOUESTI, Professor Olufemi Adeoluwa, commended Tetfund for numerous interventions in public tertiary institutions across the country. He believed that the university will take advantage of the new project to advance vocational training among staff and students.
He said: “No doubt, the provision of this facility will further enhance higher quality of delivery and equip our staff and students with the acquisition of relevant skills and knowledge that will give them competitive edge above their peers.
“I wish to quickly place on record that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund ( TETFUND), since its inception, has placed all tertiary institutions in Nigeria on higher pedestal in terms of physical infrastructure, provision of standard learning facilities, conference attendance sponsorship, academic staff training and development, library development as well as ICT intervention.” For an observer who preferred anonymity, “Echono is just starting. He was not called Mr. Project for nothing. Simple and easy going, Echono is a man of his words and by the time he is done, his achievements will remain indelible in history.”