The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) has formally set aside N7.4 billion for major infrastructural upgrades at the Akwa Ibom State College of Education, Afaha Nsit, located in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area. The announcement came during the commissioning of new facilities at the college, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s development trajectory.
TETfund’s Board of Trustees Chairman, Aminu Masari, delivered the disclosure at the unveiling of a N1.3 billion administrative block and ICT centre. He revealed that of the N7.4 billion allocated, N6.9 billion has already been accessed, leaving a balance of N462.9 million, most of which has already been committed to ongoing works.
“From the start of TETfund interventions in this College, the Fund has allocated a total of N7,388,131,247.96 for infrastructure-related projects only. Out of this, N6,925,204,879.46 have been accessed, leaving N462,926,368.50 — most of which are already committed,” Masari stated during the event.
He emphasised that the inauguration of these projects aligns with TETfund’s broader vision of positioning Nigerian tertiary institutions as globally competitive, especially in this era of rapid technological evolution and the rising impact of artificial intelligence. He reiterated the Fund’s resolve to support beneficiary institutions in acquiring up-to-date facilities and tools tailored for learning, research, and skills development.
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State Government Endorses Intervention as Vital to ARISE, “Renewed Hope” Agenda
Present at the ceremony was the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, represented by the state’s Commissioner of Education, Prof. Ubong Umoh. The governor’s office praised TETfund’s commitment and regarded the project as integral to realizing the education goals embedded in both the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the ARISE vision of the state government.
Prof. Umoh reflected that the intervention’s timing and scale underscore the synergy between federal support and state-level educational policy. He described the commissioning of the administrative block and ICT facility as “commendable” and noted that similar interventions at Akwa Ibom State University reflect the positive trend of TETfund’s increasing footprint in the state’s higher education system.
According to state leadership, the project demonstrates how federal and state cooperation can translate into visible, functional infrastructure that benefits students, faculty, and surrounding communities.
What the Funds Will Deliver: New Facilities, Digital Capacity, and Long-Term Growth
Masari elaborated on the nature and impact of the new infrastructure. The administrative block and ICT centre are intended not only to house administrative functions but also to bolster digital capacity across the institution. With these facilities, the college will be better equipped to handle modern demands of teaching, research, and administrative services in a more connected and technologically oriented environment.
He noted that commissioning projects is not simply a symbolic act but a marker of progress and accountability. Such events, he said, underscore TETfund’s commitment to transparency and to ensuring that allocated resources lead to tangible benefits for the educational institutions it supports.
The Fund’s infrastructure interventions span beyond buildings. They include investments in tools of learning, modern equipment, and facilities to support knowledge creation, entrepreneurship, teacher training, and overall academic growth.
Masari further observed that TETfund remains conscious of the pace of global change, citing digital advancement and AI as drivers compelling constant infrastructure renewal. He reaffirmed that beneficiary institutions will continue to receive support in staying current with evolving educational demands.
Challenges, Accountability, and What the Future Holds
Although the bulk of the N7.4 billion allocation has been accessed or committed, the remaining N462.9 million raises questions about timely disbursement and project completion. Masari insisted that these funds are already tied to ongoing work and will follow through to fulfillment.
Still, the success of the infrastructure push depends heavily on effective project management, robust oversight, and coordination among federal and state agencies. Ensuring that contractors meet timelines, quality standards, and deliver value for money will be crucial in translating funds into lasting institutional assets.
Looking ahead, TETfund has pledged to maintain the momentum of infrastructure support across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. The Akwa Ibom College project may well serve as a benchmark for future collaborations and interventions.
By aligning institutional needs with national priorities like digital readiness and capacity building, TETfund intends to remain a driving force in enhancing the educational landscape. If the Akwa Ibom College effort succeeds, it will strengthen confidence that strategic investment can anchor sustainable academic growth in the nation.
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