The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) held a meeting in Abuja with leaders of schools and other key groups to finalize the 2025 support plans. The meeting focused on working together to improve higher education, encourage new ideas, and develop Nigeria’s workforce.
Arc. Sonny Echono, TETFund’s Executive Secretary, mentioned that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved raising the Education Tax from 2.5% to 3%, which will help fund education better. He encouraged everyone to work on creating partnerships between schools and industries to address skill shortages and boost the economy.
In 2024, important projects were launched, such as the TERAS platform, which focuses on ICT development, and a Career Service Centre that helps students find jobs. Echono emphasized the Fund’s dedication to supporting research and innovation to boost the country’s productivity.
Dr. Nasir Gwarzo, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, commended TETFund for its work in improving infrastructure and research. Additionally, the Board of Trustees Chairman, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, urged sustainable education funding and cautioned against politicizing education.
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, praised TETFund’s support for Air Force institutions like the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) and advocated for extending interventions to other Air Force schools. Echono assured that the inclusion of more institutions would depend on regulatory approvals and legislative decisions.
TETFund is dedicated to promoting new ideas, improving education, and supporting Nigeria’s development goals.