TETFund Invests Over N30bn to Boost Security Accross Nigerian Tertiary Institutions -Masari

By Ibrahim Muhammad, Lagos

More than N30 billion has been allocated for security-enhancing projects across tertiary education campuses nationwide, according to the Chairman of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Board of Trustees, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari.

Masari revealed this during an interview with journalists after a stakeholders’ town hall meeting organized by the TETFund Board of Trustees in Lagos. He explained that the intervention has significantly improved safety for students, staff, and others living and working within higher education campuses.

He noted that the initiative is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts to ensure a secure and conducive learning environment in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

“Just as we created a budget line for electricity on campuses, we also deemed it necessary to create one for security, considering the need to keep campuses safe. Students and academic staff need a secure environment to carry out their academic activities,” Masari said.

He added that universities and other tertiary institutions have deployed the funds to provide solar streetlights, perimeter fencing, and other security-related projects to strengthen campus safety.

Masari commended President Tinubu for the continuous support given to TETFund, describing it as a reflection of the President’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. He highlighted the President’s approval of a 50 percent Development Levy for TETFund under the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, which takes effect in January 2025. The new provision is expected to significantly boost the Fund’s capacity to deliver critical interventions.

The TETFund chairman explained that the Lagos town hall meeting was organized to update stakeholders on the Fund’s activities and to gather feedback aimed at improving its operations. The meeting brought together key players in the tertiary education sector, including members of the National Assembly Committees on TETFund, the Board of Trustees and management of TETFund, ASUU, vice chancellors, student representatives, and other stakeholders.

“It is a platform that brings all policymakers in Nigeria’s tertiary education under one roof. We update them on what TETFund is doing, and we also listen to them. We share ideas and receive suggestions that help us create more inclusive policies,” he said.

Masari emphasized that the forum also provides an opportunity to deliberate on pressing issues affecting tertiary education and to set goals that will ensure Nigerian institutions can compete globally in research, manpower development, and infrastructure.

“Mr. President is very passionate about developing this sector. He has given us the cooperation we need, particularly through increased funding and administrative support, to enable the Fund to fulfil its mandate,” he added.