TETFund to Launch Electric Campus Shuttles in Nigerian Varsities

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ABUJA, Nigeria — The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) will, in November, roll out an electric campus shuttle scheme across selected higher institutions to ease student mobility and promote sustainable transport solutions.

TETFund Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja when he received a delegation of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) led by National Secretary Comrade Shedrack Anzaku.

Echono said the initiative — which will begin with 12 pilot campuses — aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to improve student welfare and learning environments through innovation and inclusion.

“Students face many risks moving around campuses, especially those living off-campus. From next month, we will launch electric shuttle services in selected institutions, to be managed by students for accountability and sustainability,” Echono stated.

He explained that each campus will have designated charging stations with affordable ride costs, adding that the scheme is part of TETFund’s broader interventions addressing student accommodation, power supply, and learning infrastructure.

Echono revealed that the Fund is also investing in research laboratories, digital learning systems, and sustainable energy projects across Nigerian universities to enhance research and competitiveness.

“We are building multi-purpose laboratories in Kano, Port Harcourt, Lagos, and Abuja so Nigerian researchers can conduct world-class research without sending samples abroad,” he said.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring access to quality education through the National Student Loan Scheme managed by NELFund, stressing that TETFund is being repositioned to serve students’ interests directly.

NANS National Secretary Anzaku commended TETFund’s impact, describing Echono as “a father and mentor” whose leadership has transformed tertiary education.

“Without TETFund, many of the structures on our campuses wouldn’t exist,” he said.

The students presented Echono with an award of excellence for his contributions to education and reaffirmed their vote of confidence in TETFund’s management.

TETFund Expands Education Support: More Funds for Research, Innovation

Abuja, Nigeria – The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced an increased focus on research, innovation, and infrastructure development in its 2025 disbursement plan, with over 91% of funds directed towards direct interventions in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

Speaking at the annual strategic workshop with heads of institutions in Abuja on Thursday, TETFund Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, noted the agency’s commitment to improving Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

“Our intervention activities have significantly increased, aligning with national priorities,” Echono stated. “In 2025, we are prioritizing research, innovation, and the rehabilitation of dilapidated infrastructure across institutions.”

The fund has allocated ₦2.86 billion for each university, ₦1.99 billion for polytechnics, and ₦2.17 billion for colleges of education under the Annual Direct Disbursement. Special projects include the completion of the National Library, mechanised farms in select universities, and student hostel construction through public-private partnerships.

TETFund is also investing heavily in technical and medical education, expanding infrastructure to support training for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists. “We are adopting medical simulation and alternative power solutions to enhance curriculum delivery and address energy challenges,” Echono added.

Research and innovation funding will continue under the National Research Fund, with a focus on commercialisation and industry partnerships. Also, new Entrepreneurship for Innovation Hubs and ICT Experience Centers will be established in polytechnics and colleges of education.

“I urge all institutions to fully utilise their 2024 allocations while fast-tracking access to 2025 funds,” Echono urged.

Gom Marian  – Report

TETFund Launches Alternative Energy Plan to End Power Crisis in Universities

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has inaugurated a steering committee on Alternative Energy Solutions to tackle the persistent power crisis crippling Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

Speaking at the inauguration on Wednesday, TETFund Board of Trustees Chairman, Aminu Masari, emphasised the urgency of the initiative.

“Reliable electricity is the backbone of quality education and research,” Masari said. “Many institutions struggle with exorbitant electricity tariffs and erratic power supply, which hinders learning and innovation.”

The committee, led by Sunday Adepoju, a TETFund Board member, has two months to submit its preliminary report and will also oversee the implementation of the initiative.

The Federal Government, through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), has been working to expand electricity access. The REA’s existing project includes deploying solar hybrid power plants to 15 federal universities and two teaching hospitals.

While no specific timeline has been set for project completion, experts believe a successful implementation will boost academic performance, drive innovation, and improve overall educational quality in Nigeria’s higher institutions.

Gom Mirian – Report

Nigeria Partners with Daimlas to Launch AI Ecosystem in Universities

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has signed an agreement with Daimlas Corporation to establish a comprehensive artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem across Nigerian universities.

The partnership, unveiled on friday in Abuja, aims to integrate AI-driven education, research, and opportunities across the country’s academic institutions.

Executive Secretary of NUC, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu expressed optimism about the long-term impact of the initiative. “It’s a very good thing. We are happy to have established this partnership with institutions already recognised globally,” he said. “It gives us a chance to properly assess the integration of AI over the next few years.”

Earlier, the CEO of Daimlas Corporation, Joseph Wehbe, shared insights into the platform’s potential. “AI is transforming every aspect of society, and academia is at its core,” he said. Wehbe explained that the platform would provide universities with AI resources, labs, and access to international AI corridors, enabling students and faculty to actively engage in the growing AI economy.

“Jobs are changing fast, and AI is replacing many entry-level roles. Universities must adapt to equip students with the skills needed for this new era,” he warned.