The Federal Government has called on universities and other higher education institutions in Nigeria to take the lead in pursuing “cutting-edge research and innovation” to support the country’s advancement in the knowledge economy.
This call was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, during a stakeholders’ event organised by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in Abuja.
He encouraged institutions to think creatively about using TETFund’s resources not only for infrastructure development but also for research that directly addresses national challenges and drives progress.
Represented by Zubairu Abdullahi, Director of Special Duties, Dr Sani-Gwarzo praised TETFund’s transformational support over the years, highlighting its role in enhancing infrastructure, research capabilities, and learning opportunities across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Faced with evolving challenges and rising expectations, he emphasised the need for continuous “assessment and innovation” to ensure that these investments achieve the greatest impact.
He urged TETFund’s management to uphold “accountability and transparency,” stressing the importance of efficient resource use.
The Permanent Secretary underscored TETFund’s mission, describing it as “built on trust,” and called on beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly and transparently.
“The ministry is committed to supporting your institutions in setting up and strengthening mechanisms for accountability, reporting, and results-driven planning,” he said.
He also emphasised that investment in infrastructure alone cannot elevate the education sector, pointing to the importance of “capacity building and human capital development” within academic and administrative teams.
He urged institutions to fully utilise TETFund’s support for “professional development programmes” that benefit both educators and students.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Dandutse Muntari Muhammed, commended TETFund’s contributions to advancing tertiary education while noting ongoing challenges such as insufficient infrastructure, outdated teaching facilities, limited research funding, and the need for ongoing capacity building for staff.
He stressed the role of tertiary education in Nigeria, describing it as “not just an academic pursuit; it is a social, cultural, and economic lifeline” essential for preparing youth to compete in a complex, globalised economy.
In his remarks, TETFund Executive Secretary Sonny Echono highlighted the fund’s achievements over the past year, including projects that have enhanced infrastructure, improved research, and supported faculty development.
However, he acknowledged that the demand for quality education continues to grow, necessitating strong and adaptable funding mechanisms.
Echono identified the importance of strengthening partnerships with industry, stating that collaborations with businesses “align our educational programmes with the skills and competencies that the job market demands.”
He noted that such partnerships provide students with “invaluable real-world experiences” and help prepare them for the workforce through opportunities like internships, mentorships, and job placements.
As the meeting concluded, Echono urged attendees to reflect on past progress while recognising the need to adapt to the rapidly changing educational landscape, aiming to confront these challenges with effective responses.
