In a significant move aimed at bolstering Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the disbursement of over N700 billion to higher institutions through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in 2025.
This was disclosed by the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, during the 2025 Strategic Planning Meeting with heads of tertiary institutions in Abuja on Thursday, March 14, 2025.
The fund allocation is expected to directly impact universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country, with universities slated to receive N2.8 billion each, polytechnics N1.9 billion, and colleges of education N2.1 billion. This substantial financial intervention underscores the federal government’s commitment to revitalizing the education sector and addressing infrastructural and academic deficiencies.
Breakdown of the Fund Allocation
During his address, Echono outlined the structure of the disbursement, stating that 91.08% of the total funds would be distributed directly to tertiary institutions. The breakdown is as follows:
- 48.90% for annual direct disbursement
- 42.18% for special direct disbursement
- 8.72% earmarked for designated projects
- 0.20% allocated to stabilization funds
These allocations, he emphasized, align with the national priorities outlined in the Education Sector Road Map initiated under President Tinubu’s administration and championed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa. The initiative is part of the broader strategy to enhance the quality of education and improve learning environments across tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Focus on Infrastructure and Research Development
A major directive from the government is that funds allocated for physical infrastructure development in 2025 must be primarily used to upgrade, rehabilitate, and renovate dilapidated facilities in benefiting institutions. This directive was communicated in advance to enable institutions to consult widely and prepare their projects ahead of time.
Echono stressed that institutions should utilize their consultancy and physical planning units to properly plan and execute their projects under the current disbursement cycle. The move is aimed at ensuring transparency and efficiency in the use of allocated funds while promoting accountability in the execution of infrastructural projects.
In addition to infrastructure, TETFund has significantly increased allocations for research and innovation, academic staff training and development, as well as manuscript and book development.
These efforts are intended to enhance the academic and professional capacities of lecturers and researchers in tertiary institutions, thereby improving the overall quality of education and research output in Nigeria.
Government’s Commitment to Education Sector Growth
Echono reiterated that the government is committed to implementing policies that will uplift Nigeria’s education sector and equip institutions with the necessary resources to function effectively.
He urged heads of institutions to begin the early implementation of their allocated funds, consult with stakeholders within their respective institutions, and ensure prompt payments to contractors and vendors handling various projects.
“I call on all heads of beneficiary institutions to fully utilize their 2024 and previous allocations while expediting the procurement process to access their 2025 funds,” he said. This call to action reflects the government’s determination to ensure that allocated funds are used effectively and that delays in project execution are minimized.
Expansion of Beneficiary Institutions and Projects
As part of the broader disbursement plan, the number of institutions benefiting from special and designated projects has been expanded.
This expansion ensures that more universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education can access funds for critical development projects, thereby fostering inclusivity and balanced growth across the nation’s tertiary education sector.
The increased funding is also expected to support efforts to bridge gaps in research and innovation, areas that have been identified as crucial for Nigeria’s technological and industrial advancement.
By boosting research funding, TETFund aims to encourage academic staff and students to undertake innovative projects that can contribute to national development.
Reactions and Implications
The announcement of the N700 billion disbursement has been met with widespread reactions from education stakeholders, policymakers, and students.
Many have lauded the initiative as a timely intervention that will go a long way in addressing the infrastructural decay and funding shortfalls that have plagued Nigeria’s tertiary institutions for years.
However, some education analysts have urged TETFund to ensure rigorous monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are put in place to track how the funds are utilized.
Transparency and accountability remain critical concerns, as previous disbursements have sometimes been mismanaged or underutilized by some institutions.
Additionally, student representatives have expressed optimism that the funds will lead to improved learning conditions, including better-equipped classrooms, hostels, libraries, and laboratories.
Many have also called for part of the funding to be directed toward scholarships and financial aid to support indigent students.
The approval of N700 billion for tertiary institutions in 2025 by President Bola Tinubu is a significant step toward addressing the financial and infrastructural challenges facing Nigeria’s higher education sector.
With universities receiving N2.8 billion each, polytechnics N1.9 billion, and colleges of education N2.1 billion, the funds are expected to make a substantial impact in upgrading educational facilities and enhancing research capabilities.
However, the success of this initiative will largely depend on the efficient and transparent use of the allocated funds by beneficiary institutions.
The government’s emphasis on accountability, early implementation, and strategic planning will be key to ensuring that these funds translate into tangible improvements in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
As the disbursement process unfolds, education stakeholders will be watching closely to assess its impact and ensure that the ultimate goal of improving the quality of education in Nigeria is achieved.
