By Solomon OKPO
No fewer than 271 public tertiary institutions across the country are set to receive substantial funding in the 2026 intervention cycle of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), following approval by the Federal Government.
The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Mr. Sonny Echono, disclosed this in Abuja, stating that the beneficiaries include universities, polytechnics and colleges of education. According to him, each university will receive ₦2.5 billion, while polytechnics and colleges of education will get ₦1.8 billion and ₦2.05 billion respectively.
Echono explained that the 2026 disbursement is designed not only to strengthen infrastructure but also to reposition Nigeria’s tertiary education system for global competitiveness.
As part of this effort, the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN) has been introduced to enhance digital connectivity and provide academics and students with improved access to global research and learning resources.
He revealed that the Fund is placing strong emphasis on emerging technologies, with plans to establish specialised centres for Robotics, Coding, Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity in selected institutions across the country.
The TETFund boss, however, cautioned heads of beneficiary institutions against unnecessary delays in project execution, stressing the need for strict adherence to timelines and procurement processes. He urged institutions to fully adopt the Tertiary Education Research Applications System (TERAS), the Fund’s digital platform, to ensure transparency, efficiency and faster project approvals.
Looking ahead, Echono said future intervention cycles would prioritise the completion of abandoned projects, the upgrade of campus security infrastructure and the expansion of student hostel accommodation through public-private partnership arrangements.
He added that agricultural development would also receive renewed attention, with the establishment of commercial farms and demonstration laboratories aimed at boosting practical training, research and food security.
Echono commended the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for its sustained efforts in tax collection, noting that the improved revenue inflow remains critical to funding educational infrastructure and advancing the mandate of TETFund nationwide.
