Leverage your network to attract resources, FG tells new TETFund board

Tahir Mamman, the minister of education, has asked members of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) board of trustees to use their networks to attract resources to Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. 

The minister spoke at the inauguration of the TETFund board of trustees and the governing councils of some federal tertiary universities in Abuja.

Mamman said the federal government is relying on the bodies to address the challenges of tertiary education.

“Your appointment is a clear recognition of your track records, established integrity, and experience. These appointments reflect the diversity of our nation, professions, expertise, and experience in various areas,” he said.

“I want to thank you for accepting this invitation to join in the task of advancing our tertiary institutions so they can fulfil their commitment to quality teaching, learning, research, and service to our communities and our nation.

“I urge you all to reciprocate the trust and confidence the government has placed in you by using your knowledge, skills, and experience to elevate the tertiary institutions to greater heights.”

Mamman said some of these challenges including inadequate capacity and instability of academic calendars can be mitigated.

He also encouraged the management to see the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as a partner working with the government to avoid strikes in the system.

The minister asked that councils attract resources from friends, businesses, and development agencies to improve institutions.

Also speaking, Sonny Echono, the executive secretary of TETFund, congratulated the newly inducted officers.

He asked them to “prepare our young people to seize domestic and international opportunities”.

Among those at the inauguration was Emmanuel Osodeke, the president of ASUU.

Osodeke said TETFund remains the only institution sustaining tertiary education in Nigeria.

He said the fund’s board of directors “requires transformation”.

“Properly managed, TETFund resources can address many problems,” the union president said.

“Currently, the funds are not being used effectively.

“Many campus projects from as far back as 2014 and 2015 remain incomplete.

“I appeal to the Minister and board members to assess how the funds have been used.”