An amount of N25 billion has been approved by the Federal Government for the enhancement of laboratories and workshops in public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education (Technical).
Sonny Echono, the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, disclosed this information during the inauguration of a 55-member committee of TETFund National Research Fund and Screening in Abuja on Tuesday.
The event also saw the inauguration of 48 committee members of the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) of the Fund.
Echono mentioned that the NRF Screening and Monitoring Committee, responsible for executing and overseeing the intervention, was established by the Board of Trustees of the Fund.
He explained that in 2020, the Committee conducted a review of the three thematic areas of the NRF research spectrum and integrated emerging issues related to national developmental challenges that require innovative solutions.
He stated, “We conducted an evaluation to determine the necessary requirements to adapt to the changes.
“One of our findings was that we have been addressing the issue of infrastructure to support the admission of Nigerian students in our tertiary institutions.
“Over time, as a result of our poor maintenance culture, we have tended to overlook the quality of the equipment in our laboratories and the functionality of our workshops.”
Echono also disclosed that an additional N5 billion was approved for skills-related equipment in the polytechnics.
He urged the Polytechnics to identify three to five skills areas and utilize this opportunity to engage Nigerians who are unemployed.
Highlighting the benefits, he mentioned that by imparting basic skills, individuals would be able to sustain themselves and contribute to the economy.
During the committee inauguration, Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, encouraged the academia to actively participate in advancing the nation through their innovative research.
Mamman emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring that tertiary institutions play a significant role in research, innovation, and education.
“Universities and scholars have a crucial role to play in ensuring that their research contributes to personal development and national progress.
He reiterated the administration’s dedication to enhancing the education sector at all levels, from primary to tertiary institutions, to equip the youth with necessary skills
NAN.