Group Says Fund Prevented Deeper Institutional Collapse
The Centre for Public Accountability (CPA) has described the Tertiary Education Trust Fund as a key support system for Nigeria’s higher education sector.
It said many public tertiary institutions would have suffered worse decay without its interventions.
The group made this known during a virtual press conference on Thursday.
It warned that funding gaps and infrastructure deficits remain major challenges in the sector.
CPA Cites Nationwide Assessment
Executive Director of CPA, Olufemi Lawson, said the organisation conducted months of field investigations across the country.
The assessment covered universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
It also reviewed project delivery, transparency, and institutional performance under the leadership of TETFund Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono.
In addition, researchers and policy analysts engaged lecturers, students, contractors, and administrators during the review.
₦1.8tn Disbursed Between 2011 and 2024
CPA reported that TETFund disbursed over ₦1.8tn to tertiary institutions between 2011 and 2024.
Universities received more than ₦918bn during the period.
Similarly, polytechnics got over ₦461bn, while colleges of education received above ₦458bn.
Lawson said these funds significantly improved infrastructure across campuses nationwide.
Over 152,000 Projects Executed
The organisation stated that TETFund supported more than 152,000 infrastructure projects.
These include lecture theatres, laboratories, libraries, ICT centres, and hostels.
It also listed innovation hubs, entrepreneurship centres, and faculty buildings among completed projects.
As a result, many institutions recorded improved learning environments.
Support for Research and Digital Learning
CPA also praised TETFund for funding postgraduate training and academic research.
It said the agency supports conferences, publications, and innovation-driven projects.
Furthermore, it noted increased investment in ICT infrastructure and digital learning systems.
These include e-libraries, internet connectivity, and smart classrooms.
Challenges Still Exist, Says CPA
However, CPA said challenges persist in procurement and project monitoring.
It also pointed to issues around compliance and execution timelines.
Despite this, the group expressed confidence in TETFund’s current leadership.
It passed a vote of confidence on Sonny Echono and Board Chairman Aminu Bello Masari.
Call for Better Accountability
The group urged beneficiary institutions to use intervention funds responsibly.
It also warned against abandoned projects and poor execution.
Finally, CPA said sustained investment in education remains vital for national development.
