National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The President, Muhammadu Buhari has commissioned a N1billion naira Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) project in Ekiti State.
The commissioning which took place on Friday cut across three universities in the State.
Buhari inaugurated a N318 million vocational education workshop at the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education Science and Technology Ikere-Ekiti (BOUESTI); faculty of the social sciences twin lecture theatre and medical ward for the University Health Centre in Ekiti State University Ado-Ekiti worth N306 million and the N369 million construction and furnishings of lecture theatre block ‘A’ for Faculty of Science at the Federal University Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) totaling N995.6 million.
Speaking during the event, the President who was represented by the Minister of industry, trade and investment, Niyi Adebayo, applauded the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono and his team for effectively discharging the mandate of the agency.
He reiterated the administration’s commitment to providing enabling infrastructures and facilities for tertiary institutions in accordance with the global standard.
Speaking further, Adebayo disclosed that the federal government through TETfund had expended over N600 million on 155 lecturers from BUOSTI in both local and foreign institutions for masters and Ph.D programmes.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, education as we all know, plays a critical role in the socio-economic development of nations, and therefore, the commissioning of these projects will today at the University would in no small measure further enhance teaching and learning and improvement of academic standards.
“I wish to reiterate that education forms an integral part of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s agenda, hence the Federal Government would continue to provide necessary support towards making our educational institutions globally competitive for economic and technological development of the country.
“It is on record that through the support of the Federal Government, TETFund has performed exceptionally in the provision of physical infrastructure, support for academic staff training and development, book publication, ICT, Research and Development amongst others in public tertiary educational institutions across the country.”
On his part, the Executive secretary of TETfund, Sunny Echono enjoined management of the institutions to ensure prudent use of the facilities.
“our gathering here today points to one thing – efficient management, prudence and success in the execution and delivery of projects funded from public funds allocated by the Federal Government through TETFund for the provision of requisite infrastructure to aid teaching, learning and research, in line with mandate that sets up the Fund. “
“TETFund as an interventionist agency that is established by the Act of Parliament, has ensured equity in the allocation of funds to the three tiers of its beneficiaries in line with the enabling laws governing the activities of the agency.
“We commend the university management for ensuring quality delivery of these iconic projects and for sticking substantially to the terms of delivery approved by the Fund.
“As we commission these projects, let me implore management of the institutions to ensure proper usage and maintenance of the buildings, to serve generations coming behind to acquire learning in the institutions.”
