We plan on disbursing N2.8bn to each public university in 2025 – TETFUND

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced its 2025 intervention disbursement plan, with each public university set to receive N2.86 billion, while polytechnics will get N1.99 billion, and colleges of education will receive N2.18 billion.

The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arch. Sonny Echono, disclosed this at a strategic workshop held in Abuja on Thursday, where he outlined the 2025 disbursement guidelines for beneficiary institutions.

Breakdown of the 2025 Disbursement Plan

Universities:

Normal allocation: N2,560,562,352.66

Zonal allocation: N300,000,000.00

Total: N2,860,562,352.66

Polytechnics:

Normal allocation: N1,794,335,731.71

Zonal allocation: N200,000,000.00

Total: N1,994,335,731.71

Colleges of Education:

Normal allocation: N1,978,428,260.79

Zonal allocation: N200,000,000.00

Total: N2,178,428,260.79

Utilization and Implementation Guidelines

Echono urged institutions to fully utilize their 2024 and previous allocations while ensuring a swift procurement process for accessing the 2025 disbursement.

He emphasized that, following the Federal Government’s directive, all 2025 Physical Infrastructure Development allocations will focus on:

Upgrading, rehabilitating, and renovating dilapidated infrastructure in beneficiary institutions.

Encouraging institutions to consult widely and plan projects ahead of time using their physical planning and consultancy units.

Increased funding for research, academic staff training, and manuscript/book development.

TETFund 2025 Disbursement Structure

The 2025 allocation is categorized as follows:

91.08% for direct disbursement

48.90% as annual direct disbursement

42.18% as special direct disbursement

8.72% for designated projects

0.20% for stabilization funds

Under the special direct disbursement category, funding priorities include:

Expansion of the Special High Impact Programme (SHIP)

Completion of the National Library in Abuja

Establishment of mechanized farms in selected universities

Accelerated provision of student hostels through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)

Key Focus Areas in the 2025 Guidelines

Expansion of medical education:

Increased infrastructure to accommodate more doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.

Adoption of medical simulation technology for better curriculum delivery and patient care.

Energy and Infrastructure:

Provision of alternative power solutions for selected institutions to mitigate rising energy costs.

Addressing campus security challenges and disaster recovery efforts.

Research and Innovation Support:

Continued funding for the National Research Fund.

Institutionalization of Research & Development (R&D) initiatives.

Expansion of industry-academic partnerships under the Triple Helix Initiative.

Laboratory and Agricultural Development:

Additional funding for central multipurpose research laboratories in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt.

Establishment of three new agricultural laboratories/demonstration farms.

Technical and Vocational Education (TVET):

Upgrading engineering workshops and laboratories in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

Increased funding for the National Skills Development/TVET program.

New Intervention Initiatives

The 2025 intervention package introduces several new programs, including:

Diaspora Outreach/Exchange Program

Staff Support Fund for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education

Provision of electric tricycles for campus transportation

Student Startup/Innovation Grants

Additionally, 12 new Entrepreneurship for Innovation Hubs will be established in polytechnics and colleges of education.

TETFund is expanding its TERAS platform to digitize and modernize learning institutions, aligning with global standards. Beneficiary institutions are encouraged to maximize the platform’s potential for seamless learning.

Echono urged institutions to reduce reliance on government funding by fostering private-sector partnerships for infrastructure development and facility management, particularly for student hostels.

The workshop had in attendance representatives from critical education sectors and unions, including:

Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)

National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)

Other key education sector stakeholders

The 2025 TETFund disbursement plan marks a significant step toward enhancing Nigeria’s tertiary education system, with a strong emphasis on infrastructure, research, and innovation.