The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has approved a sum of N130 million as zonal intervention for polytechnics in its 2023 intervention.
The aim is to enhance skills acquisition programs at these institutions.
The Director of Infrastructure, Buhari Mika’Ilu, made this announcement in Abuja during the TETFund/NBTE Sensitisation Workshop on the 2023 Zonal Intervention on Skills for Rectors and Directors of Skills in Beneficiary Polytechnics.
Mika’Ilu explained that the intervention is intended to support the efforts of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) in strengthening the capacities of polytechnics to effectively fulfill their mandates.
He further stated that the intervention funds are often utilized to assist institutions in meeting the necessary requirements for accreditation, thus contributing to their overall development.
According to him, it focused purely on projects with academic relevance, thereby, addressing deficiencies in core areas of acquisition of essential instructional materials and equipment for teaching and learning, and building capacities for use of equipment procured.
He noted: ‘’Funds were allocated in line with provision of the Establishment Act and guided towards addressing critical and essential needs of beneficiary institutions for improvement of quality and maintenance of standards.”
NBTE has been at the forefront in championing the need for skills in the educational system in Nigeria. It is in response to this, that the fund has prioritised the 2023 zonal allocation to polytechnics to reinvigorate skills acquisition.”
Meanwhile, Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, charged rectors of polytechnics to explore innovative approaches to skills development and device effective solutions that would enhance quality and relevance of technical education.
He said skills development and entrepreneurship represent a holistic process, where individuals in society pursue opportunities and address needs through innovation.
He noted that acquiring skills prepares individuals for employment across all sectors of the economy and helps overcome challenges, as well foster a brighter future for the nation and individuals.
