The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has allocated N70 billion in its 2025 budget to provide alternative energy—primarily solar power—to selected tertiary institutions in Nigeria. This move is part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to tackle the persistent energy crisis plaguing higher education institutions across the country.
At a strategic engagement with heads of tertiary institutions, bursars, and procurement officers in Abuja on Monday, TETFund Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, stressed the importance of responsible fund usage, warning that institutions that fail to meet performance standards or misuse allocations risk being removed from the list of TETFund beneficiaries.
Echono emphasized the need for institutions to increase student enrolment, pointing out that some schools with as few as 30 students still access full allocations. He reiterated the government’s intention to direct resources to institutions demonstrating transparency, accountability, and high governance standards.
“A committee on power has been set up, and a significant N70 billion allocation made to ease the burden of energy costs, particularly for institutions with large student populations,” Echono said. “Our goal is to provide competitive and sustainable power alternatives, particularly solar energy.”
He also addressed issues surrounding unutilized funds, urging institutions to promptly access and implement allocated resources to bridge infrastructural gaps.
One major highlight of the engagement was the suspension of the foreign component of the TETFund Scholarship for Academic Staff (TSAS) from January 1, 2025, due to rising training costs abroad and increased incidents of absconding scholars. Moving forward, the Fund will focus on cost-effective, locally driven academic development programs.
Echono noted that the Fund’s 2025 priorities include consolidation, sustainability, completion of abandoned projects, and enhanced research investment. Additional funds have been earmarked for the National Research Fund, Research and Innovation Fund, and the Triple Helix initiative to boost industry-linked research.
“This gathering is not just a meeting, but a strategic platform for constructive dialogue and renewed commitment to best practices in project management and governance,” he stated.
Representing the National Universities Commission (NUC), Dr. Joshua Atah, praised TETFund for organizing the stakeholder meeting, commending its vital role in enhancing academic quality, infrastructure, and staff development. He urged institutions to ensure efficient, timely, and relevant implementation of interventions.
“TETFund’s support is crucial to the survival of public tertiary education in Nigeria,” Atah noted, encouraging judicious use of funds and continuous institutional responsiveness to educational needs.
