Tinubu Approves N700bn Disbursement for Universities and Other Institutions

President Bola Tinubu has approved the disbursement of N700 billion to universities and other educational institutions in Nigeria, aiming to improve infrastructure and academic standards.

President Bola Tinubu has authorized the release of N700 billion from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) as part of its 2025 allocation to support public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education in the country.

TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, announced this at the 2025 Strategic Planning Meeting with leaders of beneficiary institutions on Thursday in Abuja.

During the event, Echono announced, “I am pleased to inform you that the President has approved the disbursement guidelines for 2025 totaling N700 billion.”

According to the head of TETFund, with the approval in place, each beneficiary university will receive N2.86 billion: comprising a standard allocation of N2.5 billion and an additional zonal allocation of N300 million. Meanwhile, polytechnics are set to receive a total of N1.99 billion and colleges of education will get N2.17 billion each.

“Our intervention efforts have expanded considerably, in accordance with the national objectives set forth in the Education Sector Road Map under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership and supported by Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa,” Echono stated.

He also expressed gratitude to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for enhancing revenue collection, saying: “We sincerely thank Mr. President for his diligent efforts in maintaining allocative efficiency and judiciously using funds to achieve the desired impact.”

Echono stated that in line with federal guidelines, TETFund plans to allocate the entire 2025 budget for physical infrastructure towards the upgrading, rehabilitation, and renovation of deteriorating facilities at beneficiary institutions.

“This information was shared with you earlier to allow for thorough consultation and advance preparation of your projects. You were also encouraged to utilize the resources available through your consultancy units or physical planning departments in this process. Furthermore, under the current disbursement cycle, there has been a substantial increase in funding allocation for Research and Innovation, Academic Staff Training and Development, as well as Manuscript and Book Development. Additionally, there is now a significantly higher number of beneficiary institutions supported by its special designated projects,” he added.

Echono urged the leaders of beneficiary institutions to promptly begin implementing their allocations. He recommended that they engage extensively with their community during the execution of TETFund projects and ensure contractors and vendors are paid on time when payments are due.