TETFUND to spend N10bn on ‘critical infrastructure’ in UniAbuja

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) says it will spend N10 billion to develop “critical infrastructure” at the University of Abuja.

Speaking during an interactive session with the management and students of the university, Kashim Ibrahim-Imam, Tetfund chairman, said the funds will be used for the construction of a new senate building, a 1,000 capacity international conference centre, a 2,000 bed space accommodation for students as well as facilitate e-learning in the institution.

“TETFUND has designated the University of Abuja as a Centre of Excellence. We have 12 centres of excellence spread across the country and we are investing N1 billion in each of them,” Ibrahim-Imam said.

“But we have also in consultation with the vice-chancellors decided that each of the universities will focus on one critical area. For Abuja, it is governance and leadership.

“For the year 2020, I am happy to inform you that by the time we are done this year, we are looking at spending a total of N10 billion on critical infrastructure in the University of Abuja.

“There is one very critical element that is the most important today, namely e-learning. So, Tetfund, in consultation with the University of Abuja will be investing in laying the necessary infrastructure that will facilitate e-learning on this campus.

“Towards this, already as I speak, 20km of fibre optics are being laid across the University.”

Tetfund also announced N1 billion will be made available for the development of the urology and kidney centre at the University of Lagos as well as 2,000 bed spaces hostel accommodation for the students of the University.

Currently on a tour of over 50 tertiary institutions in 18 states, the chairman said the board is also inspecting TETFUND-sponsored projects.

“A lot of money has been disbursed by Tetfund since its inception to better the 226 universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Tetfund’s interventions in the past three years and next year put together, is in the region of N1 trillion,” the chairman said.

“It wouldn’t do for us to just be throwing money. We want the money that we are spending to impact most positively on academia, on the faculties, on the students, on learning, on research.”