TETFUND seeks growth of higher institutions, allocates N213billion

EXECUTIVE Secretary of Tertiary Education Fund (TETFUND), Dr. Abdullahi Baffa has disclosed that government has set aside the sum of N213billion as intervention fund to boost learning in the nation’s higher institutions.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Central Research Laboratory, Technology and Science building of Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Baffa explained that of the allocated sum, 60 percent is going to infrastructural development.

According to him, from the intervention fund, each polytechnic was awarded 691million, college of education N679million and each university, N1.9billion.

Already, the TETFUND chief said each of the institutions have presented their proposals which has been looked into by the agency and have started to issue the funds.

He said, “We are happy with what we have seen at Yabatech. One of our mandates is supporting tertiary institutions with learning and laboratory equipment. We have supported Yabatech to put up the structure and procure the equipment that would make the Laboratory a world class. The learning equipment will help train Yabatech students on necessary skills, it will also help the students to compete globally. Marine Engineers can also be effectively trained in the marine laboratory. Yabatech has used the fund allocated by TETFUND judiciously.”

The Rector, Dr Margaret Ladipo lauded TETFUND for its support to the institution, which she said started in 1999. “TETFUND granted the college a pioneer intervention fund of N24, 709,302. Since then, its regular intervention to the college has grown significantly. YABATECH has over the years embarked on a course of academic expansion through the introduction of new programmes, which are relevant to the development of the nation’s economy. With TETFUND as our supporting partner, we will definitely succeed in our mission to improve the standard of education in the country.

She however solicited more support from the agency to further develop the institution, adding, “The Epe Campus is indeed the future of YABATECH. It is a 45hectare parcel of land, out of which less than five hectares has been effectively utilized for physical development. There is vast potential for growth with relocation of old departments and creation of new academic programmes and departments at the campus.’