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TETFund Allocates N1bn for Hostel Development in 12 Institutions The selected institutions, comprising six universities, three polytechnics, and three colleges of education spread across the six geopolitical zones, are set to benefit from the N1 billion fund. |
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced an allocation of N1 billion for the development of hostels across 12 institutions as part of its 2024 intervention cycle.
Sonny Echono, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, revealed this information during a workshop titled 'Emerging Areas of Students Needs in Beneficiary Institutions' held in Abuja on Tuesday.
The selected institutions, comprising six universities, three polytechnics, and three colleges of education spread across the six geopolitical zones, are set to benefit from the N1 billion fund.
Echono explained that the funds would serve as an equity contribution in collaboration with private developers for the construction of hostels within these institutions.
"It gives me great pleasure to announce that Africa Plus Partners will initiate the construction of a 1,600-capacity student hostel at Akwa Ibom State University, supported by TETFund, on May 15," he stated.
Echono highlighted that TETFund is addressing longstanding issues in many institutions, particularly student housing.
He observed that students are often overcrowded in dormitories or forced to live and study off-campus.
"The current hostels are not only severely lacking but are also in a state of disrepair, particularly concerning utilities and cleanliness. This undoubtedly impacts the students' academic performance and overall wellbeing," he remarked.
Acknowledging the limited resources, Echono noted that the government has historically endeavored to construct student hostels nationwide.
However, with the government's resources stretched thin and the growing student population, he emphasized the need for private sector engagement through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to alleviate the student housing crisis.
Additionally, Echono mentioned the Fund's focus on enhancing the teaching profession and the consistent support provided to teaching practice supervisors.
Following a directive from the Federal Ministry of Education, he underscored the necessity to revise the current funding template for teaching practice.
In his speech, Anderson Ezeibe, the National President of the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), called for TETFund to establish a monitoring mechanism at the institutional level.
