ABUJA (Sundiata Scholar) – Gov. Bassey Otu of Cross River has appealed to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to support the construction of an edifice to house practical skills at the state-owned University of Education and Entrepreneurship.
Otu, at a courtesy visit to TETFund Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, in Abuja, emphasised the crucial role of human capital development in addressing underdevelopment, poverty, and unemployment.
He commended TETFund for its visible infrastructural contributions nationwide.
The governor explained that the state’s newly converted College of Education to a University of Education and Entrepreneurship required support.
“This conversion aims to provide training in skills such as craftsmanship, bricklaying, welding, and more.
“As the first of its kind, this university seeks to equip individuals with entrepreneurial skills, aligning with the Nigerian government’s focus on entrepreneurship education.
“By developing human capital, Cross River State can harness its potential in tourism and agriculture, driving economic growth,” he said.
Otu said the initiative was a significant step towards fostering entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities in the region.
According to him, with TETFund’s support, the University of Education and Entrepreneurship can become a hub for innovative talent development.
Responding, Echono assured the governor that the Fund would support the state-owned University of Education and Entrepreneurship.
He emphasised that the support was a key obligation of TETFund to states, ensuring equality and distribution of resources to all states through their institutions.
“We will offer support to this initiative.
“We are aware of the guidelines and procedures, but we are flexible to meet our obligations to states,” Echono stated.
He highlighted the importance of finding creative ways to ensure equal distribution of resources.
Regarding the conversion of the College of Education to a specialised University of Education and ICT, Echono noted that this aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s mandate.
“The president has tasked TETFund with ensuring Nigerian graduates possess proficiency in ICT and technology skills, alongside their chosen courses.
“To achieve this, we’re promoting digital resources for students and reviewing our curriculum and delivery systems.
“Our goal is to produce graduates with skills that make them global citizens, capable of working anywhere,” Echono explained.
(NAN)
