N30 Billion Spent to Strengthen Security in Tertiary Institutions – TETFund

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund says it has invested more than N30 billion to strengthen security in tertiary institutions across Nigeria from January to date.

The chairman of the board of trustees of TETFund, Aminu Masari, disclosed in a statement on Tuesday.

Mr Masari, former Katsina governor, said that the investment had significantly improved safety for students, lecturers, and other campus residents. According to him, the security intervention aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to creating a safe and conducive learning environment in the country’s higher institutions.

“Just as we created a budget line for electricity, we also deemed it fit to establish a dedicated line for security. Students and academic staffers need a safe environment to carry out their activities,” said Mr Masari.

Mr Masari noted that many institutions had applied for intervention to install solar-powered streetlights, perimeter fencing, and other safety-enhancing projects. He commended the Nigerian President for his continued support of TETFund, citing the president’s approval of a 50 per cent Development Levy under the 2024 Nigerian Tax Bill.

“The development levy is set to take effect in January, and this will further boost the Fund’s capacity to deliver interventions,” he said.

The TETFund BOT chairman explained that a recent town hall meeting was designed to update stakeholders on ongoing interventions and receive feedback to improve TETFund’s operations.

According to him, this platform brings all policymakers in tertiary education under one roof, lawmakers, ASUU, vice chancellors, students, and others.

“We share ideas, receive suggestions, and work toward a more inclusive TETFund that makes policies which reflect the various interests within the tertiary education sub-sector,” Mr Masari stated.

He added that the forum also serves as a space to address pressing issues in the sector, with the goal of positioning Nigeria’s tertiary institutions to compete globally in research, manpower development, and infrastructure.

(NAN)