TETFund enlists DICON on beneficiary list, to receive allocations in 2027
By Uji A Iliyasu, Abuja
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has approved the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) as a beneficiary institution, with annual allocations to commence in 2027.
The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, disclosed this in Abuja Wednesday, during a visit by the Director-General of DICON, Maj.-Gen. Babatunde Alaya, and his delegation.
Echono said the approval was granted by the Fund’s Board of Trustees at its meeting last week.
“Effectively, they are now members of the TETFund family, and from 2027, they will begin to receive annual allocations from TETFund,” he said.
He explained that DICON would be eligible for intervention programmes in infrastructure, information and communication technology, staff development, research and innovation.
Echono advised the institution to appoint qualified desk officers to coordinate applications under the various intervention areas and ensure effective project implementation.
He said the officers should have the expertise to prepare proposals, monitor projects and ensure compliance with the Fund’s guidelines.
He highlighted the importance of DICON’s technical programmes, particularly Welding and Fabrication Technology and Mechatronics Engineering Technology, noting that Nigeria must strengthen its technical manpower to reduce dependence on foreign expertise and improve local manufacturing capacity.
“Technology has become so advanced that you can programme your entire welding scheme, and the equipment can carry out the cutting and other processes, helping you accomplish a lot within a short time,” he said.
The executive secretary encouraged DICON to participate in TETFair, the Fund’s national exhibition of research, innovation and manufacturing, scheduled for November, to showcase its achievements.
He also expressed the Fund’s readiness to collaborate with DICON on research and innovation, particularly in defence and security. He added that DICON could nominate a qualified researcher to serve on TETFund’s national research grant and monitoring committee, which covers several thematic areas, including military and defence.
Earlier, Maj.-Gen. Alaya said the visit was to brief TETFund on DICON’s progress and seek guidance on the institution’s take-off requirements following its enlistment.
He said the institute was established to develop the engineering and technical manpower needed to support Nigeria’s defence manufacturing industry and broader industrial development.
“The institute was established to address Nigeria’s critical need for skilled technical manpower in manufacturing, engineering, applied sciences and allied fields,” he said.
Alaya disclosed that the institution had been formally classified as a federal polytechnic, with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) approving six National Diploma programmes. These are Welding and Fabrication Technology, Foundry Technology, Computer Science, Science Laboratory Technology, Procurement and Supply Chain Management, and Mechatronics Engineering Technology.
He said admissions were open across the six programmes, with an approved student capacity of about 960.
According to him, the institute has provided basic infrastructure, including classrooms, male and female hostels, laboratories and a library, but requires additional facilities and specialised equipment for effective practical training.
“We have some structures on the ground, such as classroom infrastructure, hostels for both male and female students, laboratories, a library and so on. However, we still need to move beyond what is on the ground,” he said.
Alaya identified modern welding simulators, computing and networking facilities, and specialised mechatronics laboratories as the immediate needs.
He said management would develop a phased institutional development plan with clearly defined costs, timelines and measurable educational outcomes.
“We seek your guidance on the appropriate mechanism for addressing DICON Institute of Technology’s take-off and early-stage development needs, including any necessary role of the Federal Ministry of Education or other competent authorities,” he said.
Alaya assured TETFund that the institute would prioritise essential requirements, ensure financial accountability and maintain the facilities and equipment provided.
“Our objective is to build a credible institution capable of producing technically competent graduates who will contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s industrial and defence industrial development,” he said.