President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to double the number of modern hostels in tertiary institutions, increasing from 36 to 72 by the year 2025. This announcement was made by the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, during a meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
The directive is part of President Tinubu’s broader plan to ensure industrial harmony and improve the living conditions in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. According to a statement released on Tuesday by AbdulMumin Oniyangi, Director of Public Affairs at TETFund, the president’s decision aims to foster a more stable and predictable academic calendar.
Echono highlighted the president’s commitment to enhancing the learning environment for students, stating, “When the President was informed about frequent disruptions in the academic calendar, he gave specific instructions to the minister to ensure harmony in the sector. The goal is to establish a predictable academic calendar so that students can attend school and graduate on time.”
In 2024, TETFund initiated the construction of 36 modern hostel facilities across various tertiary institutions. Echono revealed that President Tinubu has now directed the fund to escalate this effort to 72 hostels by 2025. “This year, we are working on about 36 hostels, which are at various stages of completion. Many have fulfilled the procurement cycle, while others are being developed through public-private partnerships. I recently launched one in Akwa Ibom, and three more are ready to commence. Following the president’s directive, we will be increasing the number to 72 next year,” he said.
Addressing student welfare, Echono also mentioned the issue of campus transportation. After discussions with the president, TETFund has been tasked with collaborating with relevant agencies to convert existing buses to compressed natural gas (CNG) and provide mass transit buses for students as part of the fund’s interventions for the upcoming year.
The challenge of electricity costs in universities was another major concern raised by Echono. He lamented that some universities are burdened with electricity bills ranging from N300 million to N400 million monthly, making it difficult for institutions to manage. “We have commenced conversations with the Ministry of Power to address the power supply issue in tertiary schools. It’s a significant concern that will be discussed in our upcoming stakeholders meeting. We need to explore alternative power sources to reduce this financial burden,” he explained.
Additionally, Echono announced that President Tinubu has ordered the immediate payment of four months’ salary arrears owed to members of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU).
The concerted efforts by the federal government and TETFund to improve infrastructure, transportation, and power supply in tertiary institutions are expected to significantly enhance the educational experience for Nigerian students and promote a more stable academic environment.
