Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has pledged its support to kwara state government’s initiative to convert its colleges of education into universities of education.
This announcement came during a meeting between the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, and the Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq, held on Wednesday in Abuja.
During the meeting, Arc. Sonny Echono assured Governor Abdulrasaq of TETFund’s unwavering partnership with institutions, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to aiding the Federal Government’s objective of providing equal opportunities for youth to contribute significantly to the nation’s growth and development. Praising Kwara State for its historical precedence in education within the Northern region, Arc. Echono commended the state’s decision to embark on the conversion process, noting its potential to expand educational opportunities in the region.
“Kwara has always led the North even from the colonial period in education. And that has reflected also in the number of institutions that you have,” Arc. Echono remarked.
“I know you have three colleges of education. I am glad you are trying to do some conversion to universities of education now. Since 2020, we had focused more on Ilorin. So Lafiagi has suffered a little bit because of the numbers. But if they get converted, that gives us the opportunity on two more effectively.”
Governor Abdulrasaq, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to TETFund for its significant contributions to the infrastructural development of higher institutions in the state. He acknowledged the pivotal role played by the intervention agency in enhancing the growth and development of education in Kwara State.
“We will seek for more assistance. In Kwara now, we are trying to convert all our colleges of education to universities of education. So we need your assistance to do that,” Governor Abdulrasaq stated.
“But with what you have done with us it is easy to convert them because the structures are there.”
The governor, accompanied by members of the National Assembly, also highlighted the need for support in other critical areas such as security and water sanitation within the state’s educational institutions.
“This visit is to say you are doing a good job. And on behalf of the people and government of Kwara State, we say thank you for the job you have done. And we appreciate you,” Governor Abdulrasaq concluded.
The collaboration between TETFund and Kwara State signals a promising development in the educational sector, underscoring the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing educational objectives and fostering socio-economic growth.
