Gov Lawal seeks increased TETFund intervention for state-owned institutions
By Uji A. Iliyasu
Abuja
Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has called on the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to augment its intervention funds to enhance infrastructural development in state-owned tertiary institutions.
During a courtesy visit to TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, in Abuja Thursday, Governor Lawal highlighted the critical need for increased funding.
He cited Zamfara’s financial constraints and the recent declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector, emphasizing that substantial financial support is essential for the success of this initiative.
Lawal specifically requested TETFund’s assistance in completing several abandoned projects at the state university, aiming to expand access to higher education within the state. He stressed the urgency of addressing the pressing challenges facing Zamfara’s educational system and underscored TETFund’s pivotal role in this regard.
“I came to express my gratitude to TETFund, but also to seek further intervention, considering our state’s financial situation,” said Lawal. “In November, we declared a state of emergency in education, and I’m here to secure any help we can get to improve conditions in Zamfara.”
Addressing the state’s security challenges, Lawal acknowledged the severity of the situation but reassured that the government is actively addressing it.
TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, affirmed the Fund’s commitment to supporting education in Zamfara despite security issues. He emphasized TETFund’s dedication to ensuring that every part of the country and all students have access to quality education.
“He (the Governor) came to express appreciation for our efforts despite the security challenges in Zamfara. We are committed to ensuring education continues and that every student, wherever they may be, has access to quality education,” Echono said.
Echono noted that Governor Lawal’s visit included specific requests related to state institutions. He explained that Zamfara, like other states, benefits from TETFund’s High-Impact projects. The Governor advocated for the completion of ongoing projects, rather than initiating new ones, to maximize benefits for the state.
Echono said while TETFund is open to taking over and completing abandoned projects initiated by previous governments, distinguishing between TETFund’s projects and those solely undertaken by the state poses an initial challenge.