President Bola Tinubu has mandated the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to double the number of modern hostels in Nigerian tertiary institutions from 36 to 72 by 2025.
This initiative aims to improve the living conditions of students and ensure a stable academic environment.
Sonny Echono, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, revealed this directive during a meeting with the National Association of Nigerian Students. According to a statement released by TETFund, this move aligns with the president’s broader goal to maintain industrial harmony in tertiary institutions.
The statement, signed by TETFund’s Director of Public Affairs AbdulMumin Oniyangi, emphasized the importance of safeguarding public properties on campuses during upcoming nationwide protests. Echono underscored the need for a predictable academic calendar, highlighting the president’s commitment to ensuring students can complete their studies without disruptions.
Echono announced that TETFund had already begun constructing 36 modern hostel facilities this year, with plans to expand this number to 72 next year following the president’s directive. These projects are at various stages of completion, with some being executed through public-private partnerships.
Additionally, Echono mentioned the issue of campus transportation, revealing plans to work with relevant agencies to convert existing buses to CNG and provide mass transit buses for students as part of TETFund’s 2025 interventions.
Addressing the power challenges in tertiary institutions, Echono expressed concern over the high electricity bills faced by some universities, which can reach up to N400 million per month. He indicated that TETFund is in discussions with the Ministry of Power to find sustainable solutions for reliable and affordable power supply on campuses.
Furthermore, the president has directed the immediate payment of four months’ salary arrears owed to the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), demonstrating his commitment to resolving ongoing financial issues in the education sector.
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