By Ameh Gabriel
Behind the scenes of Nigeria’s educational transformation, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has been playing a pivotal role in advancing the nation’s polytechnics. While their work may not always make headlines, the tangible impacts across campuses speak volumes about their strategic interventions and commitment to national development.
Since its inception as the Education Trust Fund (ETF) through Act No. 7 of 1993 later reformed into TETFund by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Act of 2011 the agency has continued to invest significantly in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, especially polytechnics.
Under the visionary leadership of Architect Sonny Echono, the current Executive Secretary, TETFund has intensified efforts to elevate polytechnic education through infrastructure development, staff training, and research funding. In 2023 alone, the agency allocated N12 billion for training researchers and utilized its N320 billion budget to improve facilities and services in tertiary institutions. By 2024, TETFund had funded 5,525 infrastructure projects across its beneficiary institutions.
One of the most remarkable impacts of TETFund’s work is in transforming traditional skills hubs like Panteka Market in Kaduna and Ariaria Market in Aba into modern skills development centres. These transformations bridge the gap between the formal and informal sectors of Nigeria’s economy, strengthening the nation’s workforce with relevant and practical skills.
TETFund’s contributions also extend to sponsoring workshops, upgrading laboratories and classrooms, equipping them with modern tools, and furnishing offices and lecture halls. These enhancements have created more conducive learning environments where students can gain hands-on experience critical to their fields of study.
Equally commendable is the support TETFund provides for staff development in polytechnics. Through scholarships, training programmes, and research grants, lecturers are empowered to pursue further education, attend conferences, and publish scholarly works. This focus on human capital ensures that educators are well-equipped to deliver quality instruction and keep pace with global advancements.
Alongside TETFund, the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) plays a crucial role in reshaping Nigeria’s polytechnics. As the agency responsible for regulating technical education, the NBTE, under the leadership of Professor Idris M. Bugaje, has been instrumental in aligning institutional needs with national priorities. The board continues to advocate for upskilling, curriculum reform, and institutional capacity-building.
Together, TETFund and NBTE form a powerful alliance driving forward the technical and vocational education and training (TVET) sector in Nigeria. Their combined efforts are not only upgrading infrastructure but also fostering innovation, research, and industry-relevant education that will contribute to Nigeria’s sustainable economic growth.
As Nigeria seeks to harness the potential of its young population and informal workforce, the investments by TETFund and NBTE in polytechnic education represent a strategic pathway to national development. Their dedication deserves not just acknowledgment, but resounding applause.
