The Nigerian Senate has pledged to investigate the exclusion of Monotechnics from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund TETFund as beneficiaries.
This assurance came from Senator Yunus Akintunde during the 85th Anniversary celebration of the Institute in Ibadan, in response to the Provost of the Federal College of Forest, Dr. Ibrahim Lawal.
Senator Akintunde stated, “Some of the issues bothering on funding as presented by the Provost will be tabled on the floor of the Senate for consideration.”
He emphasized the federal government’s commitment to supporting the institute’s goals while also urging the management to explore internal avenues for revenue generation.
Dr. Lawal, during his address, highlighted the pressing need for increased funding to enhance research capabilities that would significantly benefit the nation. He articulated the potential role of the Forestry Research Institute of Nigeria (FRIN) in addressing climate change, controlling flooding hazards, and developing cost-effective medicinal solutions through scientifically researched herbal preparations derived from non-timber forest products.
“However, one major drawback to the achievement is inadequate funding, noting that cutting-edge research requires a heavy dose of funding,” Dr. Lawal remarked. He acknowledged the federal government’s consistent support through budgetary allocations but stressed that “we must all agree that the government cannot do this alone.” He pointed out that the creation of the Education Trust Fund (ETF), now TETFund, was a strategic move to pool resources for enhancing research and education at higher levels.
“Under FRIN, the Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan has benefitted from ETF in years past. This was, however, discontinued about well over a decade ago. This has certainly slowed down the college’s research and teaching activities as well as infrastructural development,” Dr. Lawal stated.
In attendance, Oyo State Deputy Governor Barrister Bayo Lawal urged the federal government to establish necessary mechanisms to foster continuous tree planting and promote environmental health practices. He emphasized the importance of protecting nature, stating, “We must help nature, so nature could in turn help the people.” He also cautioned against the indiscriminate felling of trees, calling for careful stewardship of the nation’s forests.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abass Lawal, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development. He noted, “We recognise the importance of education and research in achieving these goals. As such, we are investing in programmes that support forestry education and research initiatives.”
He also announced ongoing plans to upgrade the Federal College of Forestry in Ibadan and Jos into degree-awarding institutions, emphasizing collaboration to develop sustainable policies that benefit local communities.
Dr. Zacharia Bubba Yaduma, the Director General of FRIN, praised the institute’s contributions to the agricultural sector. He revealed that since its establishment in 1939, the institute has trained over ten thousand students in forestry and agriculture-related disciplines, with many now holding esteemed positions in various sectors, both domestically and internationally.
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) is a Nigerian governmental agency established in 2011, following the rebranding of the Education Trust Fund (ETF). Its primary objective is to promote and enhance the quality of education in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, which include universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. TETFUND was created to address the challenges of inadequate funding and infrastructural deficits that have long plagued the country’s higher education sector.
Background and Establishment:
The foundation for TETFUND was laid as a response to the growing concerns regarding the quality of tertiary education in Nigeria. Prior to its establishment, the ETF had been in operation since 1993, focusing on providing financial support for educational development. However, the need for a more structured and specialized approach led to the transformation into TETFUND, which was designed to cater specifically to the needs of tertiary institutions.
Funding Mechanism:
TETFUND is financed through a statutory allocation of 2% of the total annual profit before tax of companies operating within Nigeria. This funding mechanism aims to create a sustainable financial base for supporting various educational initiatives. The agency is responsible for disbursing these funds to eligible institutions for projects that enhance teaching, research, and learning facilities.
Key Functions:
TETFUND’s primary functions include:
1. Infrastructure Development: Providing support for the construction and renovation of academic buildings, libraries, laboratories, and other essential facilities.
2. Research Funding: Offering grants for research projects that contribute to national development and address pressing societal issues.
3. Capacity Building: Funding training and development programs for academic staff to improve their skills and competencies.
4. Scholarship Programs: Supporting scholarships and fellowships for students and researchers to promote academic excellence.
Impact on Tertiary Education:
Since its inception, TETFUND has played a crucial role in revitalizing Nigeria’s tertiary education system. The agency has funded numerous projects across various institutions, leading to improvements in infrastructure, educational resources, and research outputs. By facilitating access to quality education and enhancing academic standards, TETFUND aims to contribute to the broader goal of national development and economic growth.
TETFUND represents a significant effort by the Nigerian government to address the funding challenges faced by tertiary institutions, ensuring that they can meet the educational needs of the country and produce graduates equipped to contribute effectively to society.
