Higher education is social. cultural and economic lifeline —Senate Committee Chair on higher education, TETFund
The Executive Secretary, TETFund, Sonny Echono, Distinguished Senators and Honourable Members of the National Assembly, Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts of Tertiary Institutions, Esteemed Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
I am deeply honored to address you today at this crucial gathering the Annual Strategic Interactive Engagement with Heads of Beneficiary Institutions for the 2025 Intervention Guidelines. I extend my gratitude to the Executive Secretary of TETFUND and all those who have contributed to organizing this event.
As we gather here today, we are not only reflecting on the achievements of the past year but also setting the stage for an even brighter future for our tertiary institutions in Nigeria. This is an opportunity for us to engage, collaborate, and strategize on the Implementation of interventions that will strengthen the capacity of our institutions, address emerging challenges, and ensure sustainable growth.
The importance of tertiary education to the growth and development of any nation cannot be overemphasized. In Nigeria, our higher education sector is not just an academic pursuit; it is a social, cultural, and economic lifeline. The Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges of education across the country play a central role in providing access to quality education and preparing the youth for the demands of an increasingly complex and competitive global economy.
As the Chairman of the Committee, I am deeply committed to ensuring that our institutions are adequately supported and funded. This is why TETFUND remains a critical partner in realizing the aspirations of the Nigerian government in the education sector. However, while TETFUND has made remarkable strides in advancing the course of tertiary education, we must acknowledge that there are still numerous challenges to overcome. These include inadequate infrastructure, lack of modern teaching facilities, Inadequate research funding, and the need for continuous capacity building for both academic and non-academic staff.
To this end the Committee in Partnership with Tetfund held a 2-Day Retreat On Security And Energy Challenges In Nigerian Tertiary Institutions With Members Of The National Assembly And Critical Stakeholders From The 20th To 23rd October, 2024. A Communique was adopted and some of the recommendations include:
Encouraging Public Private Partnerships in developing renewable energy systems in tertiary Institutions;
A need for collaboration between Nigeria and international partners in order to foster renewable energy and security in Nigerian tertiary institutions;
Ensuring that investors including Development Banks provide funding for energy infrastructural needs of the institutions to be covered by a reasonable repayment period;
Establishing partnership and fostering collaborations with law enforcement agencies in securing campuses; and
Reversing the existing policy on outsourcing security to allow the institutions to recruit staff.
As we embark on the 2025 intervention cycle, it is crucial that we work together, across all levels of government and within the institutions themselves, to ensure that these interventions are effectively utilized and reach the intended outcomes.
The 2025 Intervention Guidelines present an exciting opportunity for us to continue making progress in addressing these challenges and to foster greater engagement and collaboration between TETFUND, the National Assembly, and the heads of tertiary institutions. The success of our education system is not just dependent on funding, but also on effective partnerships.
I encourage all stakeholders to actively contribute their insights and expertise. It is only through dialogue, mutual respect, and shared responsibility that we will create an education system that meets the needs of our people and contributes to the socio-economic development of Nigeria.
I want to thank each and every one of you for your tireless efforts in ensuring that our institutions thrive.