President Bola Tinubu has mandated the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to increase the number of modern hostels in Nigerian tertiary institutions from 36 to 72 by 2025. This strategic directive aims to enhance the quality of education and ensure industrial harmony within the sector.
TETFund’s Commitment to Improving Campus Facilities
The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, revealed this significant development during a meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). According to a statement released by the Fund on Tuesday, the president’s directive is part of a broader initiative to ensure a stable academic calendar and improve student welfare.
The statement, signed by AbdulMumin Oniyangi, Director of Public Affairs at TETFund, emphasized the importance of preserving public properties on campuses, especially during planned nationwide protests. Echono highlighted the president’s concern about frequent disruptions in the academic calendar and his specific instructions to the minister to foster harmony in the education sector.
Modern Hostel Construction Projects Underway
Echono disclosed that TETFund has commenced the construction of 36 modern hostel facilities in 2024, with many projects at various stages of completion. Some projects are being executed through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). Notably, the hostel project in Akwa Ibom has already launched, and three other projects are set to begin soon. Following the president’s directive, TETFund will double its efforts, constructing 72 modern hostels in 2025.
Addressing Campus Transportation and Power Supply Issues
In addition to improving hostel facilities, President Tinubu has directed TETFund to tackle campus transportation challenges. The Fund will collaborate with relevant agencies to convert existing buses to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and provide mass transit buses for students as part of next year’s intervention plan.
Echono also raised concerns about the exorbitant electricity bills faced by universities, with some institutions receiving monthly bills ranging from N300 million to N400 million. He stressed the urgency of finding sustainable solutions to power supply issues. TETFund is in discussions with the Ministry of Power to address these challenges and will prioritize this issue in an upcoming stakeholders’ meeting with all heads of tertiary institutions.
Conclusion
President Tinubu’s directive to TETFund underscores a commitment to enhancing the educational experience and welfare of Nigerian students. By doubling the number of modern hostels and addressing critical infrastructure challenges, the administration aims to create a more conducive learning environment and ensure a predictable academic calendar.
About The Author
