The Centre for Public Accountability has said the Tertiary Education Trust Fund remains one of the strongest pillars supporting Nigeria’s public higher education system, stressing that many institutions would have deteriorated further without the agency’s intervention programmes.
Speaking during an online press conference on Thursday, CPA Executive Director, Olufemi Lawson, revealed that the organisation’s independent review found TETFund to be crucial to the development of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the country.
Lawson explained that the assessment focused on the agency’s transparency, project implementation and overall impact under the leadership of Executive Secretary Sonny Echono. He said the review involved education specialists, researchers and policy analysts who engaged stakeholders in tertiary institutions nationwide.
“Our findings indicate that TETFund has continued to play a strategic and indispensable role in the growth and development of tertiary education in Nigeria,” Lawson stated.
According to the CPA, TETFund has continued to sustain intervention projects despite rising inflation and economic pressure, helping institutions improve facilities and academic standards.
The organisation disclosed that the Fund released over ₦1.8tn to public tertiary institutions between 2011 and 2024, with universities receiving the largest share, followed by polytechnics and colleges of education.
Lawson noted that the interventions have led to visible improvements in campuses, including new lecture theatres, laboratories, libraries, hostels, ICT centres and innovation hubs.
“Reports indicate that more than 152,000 infrastructural projects have been executed through TETFund interventions nationwide,” he said.
He added that several schools previously battling poor infrastructure now enjoy better learning environments because of the agency’s support.
The CPA also praised TETFund for funding postgraduate education, research activities, academic conferences and digital learning initiatives in tertiary institutions.
“Our findings show increased commitment to institution-based research funding, manuscript development, journal publication support and innovation-driven research interventions aimed at improving Nigeria’s knowledge economy and addressing national development challenges,” the organisation said.
The group further acknowledged improvements in ICT infrastructure, internet access, e-library systems and smart classroom projects supported by the agency.
Although the organisation commended TETFund’s achievements, it noted that issues relating to procurement, project completion timelines and accountability still require improvement.
“We recognise that concerns regarding procurement processes, project execution timelines, institutional compliance, monitoring gaps and accountability mechanisms require continuous attention and improvement,” Lawson said.
Despite the challenges, the CPA expressed confidence in the agency’s management led by Sonny Echono and Board Chairman Aminu Bello Masari, while urging beneficiary institutions to make proper use of intervention funds and avoid abandoning projects.
