TETFund Disburses N70bn To 18 Tertiary Institutions For Mini Grid Projects.

Patrners.

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, has announced the release of N70 billion to 18 higher institutions in Nigeria as part of its 2025 intervention efforts, specifically for mini-grid power projects.

Aboh Uduyok, a member of the Board of Trustees (BOT) representing the South-South zone, made this known in Uyo on Friday during the 2025 town hall meeting organised for stakeholders from TETFund beneficiary institutions in the region. He explained that the initiative aims to address the recurring issue of electricity shortages affecting tertiary education facilities in the South-South and beyond.

According to him, “To address one of the most persistent challenges facing our tertiary institutions, the high cost of electricity, the board has approved the Mini Grid Power Project under year 2025 intervention cycle with N70b allocation across 18 tertiary institutions which have been selected to benefit from sustainable mini grid energy solutions.”

He added, “This bold step will ensure a stable, cost-effective and renewable electricity supply to campuses, thereby reducing operational costs and enhancing research and learning.”

The BOT member stated that TETFund has continued to implement major projects in tertiary institutions across the South-South under the high-impact category. He also mentioned that several institutions in the region were included in the 2025 Disaster Recovery Intervention programme. These include the Federal University of Science and Technology, Ikot Abasi; Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri; Admiralty University, Ibusa; Niger Delta University, Wilberforce Island; and the University of Cross River State.

Mr Uduyok noted that the agency’s efforts have extended to infrastructure development, academic research support, capacity building for lecturers, and support for teaching practice. He appealed for collaboration with institutional stakeholders to ensure effective and transparent implementation of projects. He further encouraged them to take ownership of the completed facilities and prioritise maintenance.

In his presentation titled “TETFund and the Future of Tertiary Education in Nigeria,” Mr Ntia Thompson, Chief Executive Officer of Carsem Consult Limited, praised TETFund’s programmes and recommended the adoption of a needs-based funding model that prioritises “special needs & strategic importance.” He also suggested that the agency establish a “South‑South Innovation Window” focused on translating research into practical products.

His words, “TETFund should transition from funder to catalytic partner for turning research into useful products and resilience. Regional partners should get involved in co‑designing a 5‑year South‑South Tertiary Development Plan. Mobilize Alumni, Diaspora and Industry as co‑investors.”

Stakeholders who responded during the event urged TETFund to increase the education tax from its current 3 per cent, arguing that the recent adjustment from 2.5 per cent to 3 per cent was inadequate to meet the sector’s demands. They also questioned the establishment of a special desk for the Ministry of Education within TETFund, describing it as “monitoring spirits.”

Dr Moses Umoessien, Rector of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, called on TETFund to authorise one university in each state to offer master’s and PhD programmes specifically for polytechnic lecturers. This, he said, would assist in meeting the NBTE’s directive requiring academic staff in polytechnics to obtain master’s degrees, or risk being reclassified as non-teaching personnel.

He noted that designating one university per state would allow lecturers to enrol in part-time postgraduate programmes while continuing their teaching roles.