Chidimma Uchegbu
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has commissioned a N717,374,213.75 Faculty of Social Sciences Lecture Theatre and Office Complex at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK).
The Chairman of TETFund’s Board of Trustees, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, commissioned the project at the University campus in Keffi on Tuesday.
The new facility comprises 22 en-suite offices, four 200-seater lecture theatres, and 12 public conveniences.
Speaking, Masari said the project was executed under the 2020/2021 merged annual intervention and aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Masari praised Nasarawa State University for its record of transparency and efficiency in implementing TETFund projects, saying that it was the third time TETFund was visiting the University for commissioning within two to three years.
“It shows the institution’s resolve to ensure funds are judiciously used with verifiable results.
“The fused Lecture Theatre and Office complex to be commissioned shortly is of the years 2020/2021 (Merged) Annual intervention, being hosted under the Faculty of Social Sciences, and completed at a total cost of N717,374,213.75. We are optimistic that this facility will aid teaching and learning in a comfortable environment, having been furnished and adequately equipped for that purpose,” he said.
According to him, TETFund has recorded about 71 per cent completion of infrastructure-based projects across its beneficiary institutions between January and September 2025.
Masari also disclosed that since NSUK became a TETFund beneficiary in 2003, it has received over N12.7 billion for infrastructure-related interventions, noting that about 80 per cent of these funds have been accessed and the evidence of utilisation is visible all over this campus.
The new facility, he added, is expected to “aid teaching and learning in a comfortable environment, having been furnished and adequately equipped for that purpose.”
While urging the university to ensure proper maintenance of the building, Masari reaffirmed TETFund’s commitment to supporting innovation, ICT advancement, and sustainable power supply in tertiary institutions.
He also explained that the Fund had temporarily stepped down foreign training for lecturers due to high exchange rates and issues of abscondment but was focusing more on impactful local interventions. “We are optimistic that these special interventions will yield appreciable dividends soon,” he said.
Representing the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, the Fund’s Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Babatunde Olajide, said the project symbolised the Fund’s determination to strengthen Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
“This event stands as a testament to our shared commitment to advancing tertiary education in Nigeria. We commend the university for its prudent utilisation of funds and timely completion of projects.”
He noted that TETFund remains aware of challenges caused by inflation and exchange rate volatility, which have affected project delivery timelines.
Olajide also urged universities to prioritise maintenance.
“As we commission this facility today, let us reaffirm our collective resolve to protect and maintain it to avoid deterioration. Together, we can ensure this investment yields dividends for generations to come.”
In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of Nasarawa State University, Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, described the day as a momentous occasion in the institution’s history.
She acknowledged TETFund’s role in the university’s progress, while commending the transformative impact of TETFund projects in the university.
“These interventions have improved access to education and enhanced working conditions for our staff.
“This magnificent structure has been proudly sponsored by TETFund. It will promote teaching, enhance research, and create a truly conducive environment for our students.”
The Vice-Chancellor further revealed that NSUK had recently been ranked Number One University in Nigeria for Quality Education by the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings under Sustainable Development Goal 4, thanking TETFund for being a worthy partner in this remarkable achievement.
Prof. Liman assured TETFund of NSUK’s continued transparency in managing intervention projects, appealing for more additional structures for Faculties, Lecture Theatres and Solar Power.
“We remain deeply committed to accountability and due process in all our dealings,” she said.
Also speaking, the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule, represented at the event by the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. John Mamman, commended TETFund for its sustained support to tertiary education.
He assured that the state will continue to give maximum support to the education sector.
