Kudos to Tetfund and NBTE on their revolution development in our polytechnics, by Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) works behind the scenes that at times the eyes cannot see. Tetfund does much more than what the ears hear and the eyes see around Nigerian schools, and the impact of this Board is bringing good changes to our Polytechnics and progress of our education.

Since its establishment as the Education Trust Fund (ETF) by the Act No 7 of 1993 as amended by Act No 40 of 1998 (repealed and replaced with Tertiary Education Trust Fund Act 2011) continue to make an impact within the walls of Nigerian polytechnics and other tertiary institutions.

Now, under the leadership of the incumbent Executive Secretary of the organization, Arc. Sunny Echono is doing more for the polytechnics, and we must appreciate his gigantic contribution and good leadership.

In its effort, the Tetfund in 2023 has spent N12 billion in training researchers. In 2024, TETFund has Funded 5,525 Physical Infrastructure in Beneficiary Institutions and in 2023, the Board, had utilized the N320 billion budget for the Nigerian tertiary institutions.

It is a pleasure to acknowledge and celebrate the notable efforts made by Tetfund. TETFund’s focused support has been a vital catalyst for progress and transformation in our Nigerian tertiary institutions, skills centres which comprise both the formal and informal sectors. The contributions of Tetfund have modified skills centres like Panteka Market and Araria market to modern skills centres. Also, the organization sponsored many workshops that promote informal and formal knowledge.

Despite the fact Tetfund supports the National Board for Technical Education, NBTE but the Board also deserves commendations towards repositioning Nigeian polytechnics in up skilling, and sponsoring and organizing workshops that mean good for the polytechnics. Through interventions Nigerian institutions get the right practical skills equipment for practical teaching.

The NBTE is the touch-light that is identified with Tetfund on the needs of Nigerian polytechnics and Prof. Idris M. Bugaje, the Executive Chairman of the NBTE is working hard in signifying good development for the Tetfund by augmenting the progress of NIgerian polytechnics and the staff.

One of the most significant interventions of Tetfund in Nigerian polytechnics is in the area of infrastructure. The Board sponsors workshops, modernizes and builds new laboratories, and classrooms, equip them with modern tools and also provide offices and classes with furniture.

The contributions of Tetfund to Nigerian polytechnics create a more conducive learning environment, allowing students to gain hands-on experience essential for their chosen fields.

Tetfund has consistently championed staff development thereby sponsoring polytechnics’ staff to further their education, attend conferences, publish their books and provide opportunities for lecturers to improve their skills and knowledge. Through scholarships, training programs, and research grants, Tetfund has empowered educators, allowing them to deliver a high-quality education and keep up with the rapid pace of technological advancement.

The Tetfund organization supports research and innovation, which gives these institutions to be at the forefront of technological advancement. These contribute to the development of local industries and the broader economy.

A sincere kudos is indeed to Tetfund and the NBTE on their continued dedication of providing good changes in our NIgerian polytechnics for the staff and the students.

Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim is a staff of Kaduna Polytechnic and writes via auwalgoronyo@gmail.com