The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) has shed light on why Private Universities in Nigeria are excluded from its funding, citing legal constraints as the primary reason.
In an exclusive interview, TETFUND Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, delved into the challenges facing Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, including abandoned projects, electricity shortages, and funding limitations.
According to Echono, “the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in Nigeria is facing significant challenges due to reduced federal budget allocations, resulting in insufficient funding for universities. The situation is dire, with some institutions receiving only N200m to N300m annually for overheads, while their monthly electricity costs exceed that amount.
To address this, TETFund is exploring alternative energy sources to complement existing supplies and ensure uninterrupted teaching and learning.”
He disclosed that TETFund has launched a groundbreaking digital learning platform to revolutionize Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, assuring that the platform will respond to global curriculum shifts and addresses manpower shortages.
“We created this platform to leverage technology, enhance teaching, and increase access to quality education,” Echono said. “With 2.7 million students already on board, we aim to reach five million.”
Echono emphasized that TETFUND may scale down traditional training models, instead hiring specialized professionals.
“We’re addressing competing needs and reducing dependence on diesel generators. Our goal is to increase energy efficiency and promote alternative energy sources.”
“Why hire someone with a BSc and train them for six years when you can hire a PhD or professor?” he asked. We cannot justify spending public funds on foreign infrastructure. Our primary constituents are Nigerian students, not lecturers.”
This strategic shift aims to optimize resources, promote local capacity building, and curb brain drain. The platform addresses overcrowding, with some classes having 1,000 students, and promotes original research.
“All research, articles, and theses are digitized, reducing copying and plagiarism,” Echono noted.
TETFUND’s innovative approach positions Nigeria’s tertiary education system for global competitiveness.
With this revolutionary platform, TETFUND is transforming Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape, empowering students and researchers for success.
Meanwhile, TETFUND’s efforts aim to alleviate funding and electricity challenges in Nigerian universities, but private institutions remain excluded due to legal constraints.
As TETFUND navigates these challenges, Nigeria’s public universities await relief, while private institutions seek alternative funding solutions.
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Jerome Kalu
Jerome Kalu is currently the Senior Correspondent of PIJAlance in Lagos. He was previously the Campus Information Desk (CID) Editor.