By Ngozi Nwankwo
The Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari has disclosed the intention of the Fund to create a new intervention line aimed at addressing the pressing issues of security and power in Nigerian tertiary educational institutions.
Speaking at a two-day retreat organized by the National Assembly which focused on the “Challenges of Security and Power in Higher Institutions” in Lagos recently, Rt. Hon. Masari underscored the pivotal role that education plays in the nation’s development and the urgent need for improved funding in the sector.
“Threats to security and inadequate power supply pose significant risks to the stability and success of our higher institutions. These issues not only jeopardize the safety of students and staff but also negatively impact academic performance and the overall functioning of institutions” he noted.
While recognizing that TETFund’s resources are stretched, the BOT Chairman highlighted the importance of channelling support towards addressing these critical challenges.
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He, therefore, called on the National Assembly to revisit the funding structure for public institutions, which serve over 90% of Nigeria’s tertiary education students.
“Education is the bedrock of national progress, and its funding must reflect its importance. We need to spark a national conversation about sustainable financing models that can ensure the future of higher education in Nigeria,” he emphasized.
Lawmakers at the retreat included the Chairman Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Muntari Dandutse, Chairman House Committee on TETFund, Hon Miriam Onuoha, as well as former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole who is a member of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund.