Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has made an earnest appeal for additional interventions from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to complete numerous unfinished projects at the state’s tertiary institutions.
This appeal was highlighted in a statement issued on Sunday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris.
During an official visit to TETFund headquarters in Abuja, Lawal emphasised the critical need for support for Zamfara State University and Abdu Gusau Polytechnic.
He pointed out that many projects initiated by previous administrations have been left abandoned, causing significant challenges, especially concerning accreditation issues at Abdu Gusau Polytechnic.
“The last time I visited TETFund, I mentioned that we are like Oliver Twist, always asking for more. Today, I am here again to request additional support for some Zamfara tertiary institutions,” Lawal stated.
“During my visit to Talata Mafara Local Government Area two weeks ago, I saw the projects carried out by TETFund at Zamfara State University. Unfortunately, there are numerous abandoned projects from the previous governments in the state. We’re experiencing issues with accreditations at Abdu Gusau Polytechnic, and we need your support to resolve this.”
Governor Lawal also shed light on broader challenges facing Zamfara, including insecurity and unpaid salaries inherited from the previous administration.
“When we assumed office last year, employees had not been paid for three months, and our students could not take their WAEC and NECO examinations. We also have students on scholarships in Cyprus, India, and Sudan who were abandoned,” he noted.
He reassured that his administration has since settled these outstanding obligations.
“We are here to seek your interventions which will go a long way in our efforts to rescue and rebuild Zamfara,” Lawal concluded.
In response, TETFund Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, commended Governor Lawal for his achievements in his first year in office.
“I want to congratulate you on your one year in office and appreciate the work you are doing in government offices, institutions, hospitals, and other areas. We will review the request from His Excellency and do everything possible. Your diligence in addressing state issues is commendable and shows a high level of seriousness. I want to personally thank you for settling the WAEC and NECO debts,” Echono said.
