By Gabriella Ogbu
The Federal Government of Nigeria has earmarked N25 billion through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to modernize laboratory and workshop equipment in public universities, polytechnics, and technical schools nationwide. This announcement was made by the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, during the submission of the TETFund ad hoc Committee on Equipment Upgrade in Workshops and Laboratories’ report to the Minister of Education, Professor Mamman Tahir, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Arc. Echono stated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the N25 billion budget for 2024, aimed at updating outdated equipment in tertiary institutions. He noted that the intervention agency had previously focused on academic staff training and infrastructure development, often neglecting the essential laboratories and workshops needed for cutting-edge research and quality education.
“We conducted an assessment based on President Bola Tinubu’s charge to the education sector and our desire to use the sector as a springboard for national economic growth,” Echono explained. He emphasized the need to address quality issues related to the functionality of equipment in laboratories and workshops, particularly in practical training areas such as welding and fabrication.
The Vice Chancellor highlighted that the committee’s report would serve as a roadmap for sustainable improvements, beginning with this year’s allocation. The report also addresses the need for continuous power in workshops and labs, ensuring sustainable energy sources and backup plans to maintain uninterrupted electricity supply.
Additionally, President Tinubu approved an extra N5 billion for skill-related equipment in polytechnics. Echono disclosed that polytechnics would be encouraged to specialize in areas where they have a comparative advantage, enhancing their ability to produce globally competitive graduates. This initiative aims to transform polytechnics into centers for skill development, helping to equip people with basic skills to support themselves and their communities.
Prof. Hayward Mafuyai, Chairman of the TETFund ad hoc Committee on Equipment Upgrade, expressed concern over the outdated and non-operational equipment found in most tertiary institutions. He highlighted that some of the laboratory equipment dates back to 1917 and 1927, underscoring the urgent need for modernization to enable institutions to compete on a regional and global scale.
The Federal Government’s initiative is a significant step towards improving the quality of education in Nigeria, ensuring that tertiary institutions are equipped with the necessary tools to support advanced research and practical training.
