TETFund Allocates N2.8bn to Universities, N2.1bn to Colleges of Education, and N1.9bn to Polytechnics in 2025

Funding to Prioritize Infrastructure, Research, and Innovation

Abuja, Nigeria – March 14, 2025 – The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced its 2025 intervention disbursement, unveiling a massive financial boost for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria.

Under the newly approved allocation:
✅ Each university will receive N2.8 billion
✅ Colleges of education will get N2.1 billion
✅ Polytechnics will be allocated N1.9 billion

The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arch. Sonny Echono, disclosed these details during a strategic workshop with heads of beneficiary institutions on Thursday in Abuja.

“We are committed to strengthening Nigeria’s higher education system through enhanced funding for infrastructure, research, and innovation. These allocations will go a long way in transforming our tertiary institutions,” Echono stated.

The 2025 disbursement plan includes a significant increase in research and innovation funding, along with targeted support for infrastructure and campus security.

Breaking Down the 2025 TETFund Disbursement

Echono provided a detailed breakdown of the 2025 disbursement structure:

Institution Type                    Normal Allocation                         Zonal Allocation           Total Allocation

Universities                        N2,560,562,352.66                    N300,000,000            N2,860,562,352.66
Polytechnics                       N1,794,335,731.71                      N200,000,000            N1,994,335,731.71
Colleges of Education      N1,978,428,260.79                     N200,000,000           N2,178,428,260.79

This year’s intervention will focus on:

🔹 Upgrading dilapidated infrastructure
🔹 Boosting research and innovation
🔹 Enhancing medical and technological education
🔹 Expanding campus security measures

“This was communicated earlier to enable institutions to consult widely and prepare their projects ahead of time. We expect full utilization of past allocations and timely execution of new projects,” Echono emphasized.

How the 2025 Funds Will Be Allocated

Echono outlined the funding structure, highlighting how the Nigerian tertiary education sector will benefit:

📌 91.08% of the total fund will go to direct disbursement, including:

48.90% for annual direct disbursement
42.18% for special direct disbursement
📌 8.72% is set aside for designated projects, such as:

Completion of the National Library in Abuja
Special High Impact Programme (SHIP) for select institutions
Expansion of student hostels via Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
📌 0.20% is allocated to a stabilization fund, ensuring financial sustainability.

Key Projects and Initiatives for 2025

1. Major Infrastructure Upgrades

🔸 Campus Renovation: Universities, polytechnics, and colleges will receive funding for modernizing existing classrooms, laboratories, and hostels.
🔸 Medical Education Expansion: There will be an increase in funding for medical programs, including training for doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
🔸 Alternative Energy Initiatives: Institutions will benefit from solar and other sustainable energy solutions to reduce electricity costs.

2. Strengthening Research and Innovation

TETFund is making a bold push to enhance research and development (R&D) through:
🔹 Increased Research Grants under the National Research Fund (NRF)
🔹 Triple Helix Initiative, fostering partnerships between academia, industry, and government
🔹 New Central Multipurpose Research Laboratories
🔹 Agricultural Research Expansion, with three new demonstration farms

“Our goal is to translate research into practical solutions that impact society and drive national development,” Echono explained.

3. Enhanced Security on Campuses

With the rising insecurity in Nigeria, TETFund will increase funding for:
✅ Security infrastructure, including surveillance systems and perimeter fencing
✅ Disaster recovery programs to protect students and staff
✅ Campus safety awareness campaigns

4. Student and Staff Support Programs

TETFund is launching several new initiatives to support students and academic staff, including:
🔹 Student Startup/Innovation Grants to foster entrepreneurship
🔹 Electric Tricycles for Campus Transportation, making movement easier for students and staff
🔹 Diaspora Outreach/Exchange Program, allowing scholars to engage with global academic institutions
🔹 A Staff Support Fund to enhance faculty training and development

TETFund’s Push for Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)

To reduce reliance on government funding, TETFund is encouraging institutions to collaborate with the private sector, particularly for:
🔹 Student hostel construction and management
🔹 Technological advancements in e-learning
🔹 Medical and research facility development

Echono reiterated that digitization remains a priority, with efforts underway to enhance the TETFund Electronic Research & Academic Services (TERAS) platform to modernize learning and administrative processes.

Stakeholders React: ASUU, NBTE, and Education Leaders

The workshop in Abuja brought together key stakeholders, including:
📌 Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)
📌 National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)
📌 Heads of tertiary institutions

Many participants welcomed the increased funding, urging TETFund to ensure strict monitoring and accountability to prevent mismanagement.

Dr. Abdul Mohammed, a representative of ASUU, stated:

“This funding boost is a step in the right direction, but we must ensure that the money is used efficiently to improve learning conditions and research output.”

Similarly, Prof. Amina Usman from a leading polytechnic emphasized the importance of timely disbursement:

“Polytechnics need infrastructure support to enhance technical education. The government must ensure these funds are not delayed.”

A New Era for Tertiary Education in Nigeria

With a record-breaking intervention of over N500 billion allocated for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, 2025 promises to be a transformational year for Nigerian higher education.

While challenges remain, this renewed commitment to funding infrastructure, research, and student support programs signals a new era of growth and innovation.

The big question remains: Will these investments lead to a truly world-class education system in Nigeria?

Only time will tell.