Chidimma Uchegbu
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has unveiled its 2025 disbursement plan, prioritizing research, innovation, and infrastructure development in Nigeria’s tertiary education system. Over 91% of the funds will go directly to universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Speaking at the annual strategic workshop with heads of institutions in Abuja on Thursday, TETFund Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, noted the agency’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
“Our intervention activities have significantly increased, aligning with national priorities,” Echono stated. “In 2025, we are prioritizing research, innovation, and the rehabilitation of dilapidated infrastructure across institutions.”
The fund has allocated ₦2.86 billion for each university, ₦1.99 billion for polytechnics, and ₦2.17 billion for colleges of education under the Annual Direct Disbursement. Special projects include the completion of the National Library, mechanised farms in select universities, and student hostel construction through public-private partnerships.
TETFund is also investing heavily in technical and medical education, expanding infrastructure to support training for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists. “We are adopting medical simulation and alternative power solutions to enhance curriculum delivery and address energy challenges,” Echono added.
Research and innovation funding will continue under the National Research Fund, with a focus on commercialisation and industry partnerships. Also, new Entrepreneurship for Innovation Hubs and ICT Experience Centers will be established in polytechnics and colleges of education.
“I urge all institutions to fully utilise their 2024 allocations while fast-tracking access to 2025 funds,” Echono urged.
