The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has approved N130 million as zonal intervention fund for polytechnics in its 2023 programme.
The director of infrastructure at the Fund, Mr. Buhari Mika’Ilu disclosed this at the ‘TETFund/NBTE 2023 zonal intervention on skills for rectors and directors of skills in beneficiary polytechnics’ sensitisation workshop held in Abuja yesterday.
He said the money was meant to reinvigorate skills acquisition at the institutions as well as consolidate on efforts of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) towards increasing the capacity of polytechnics to deliver on their mandate.
He added that the intervention was mostly used to help institutions meet basic requirements for accreditation.
He further explained that the intervention focuses purely on projects with academic relevance, thereby, addressing deficiencies in core areas of acquisition of essential instructional materials and equipment for teaching and learning, and building capacities for use of equipment procured.
“Funds were allocated in line with the provision of the Establishment Act and guided towards addressing critical and essential needs of beneficiary institutions for improvement of quality and maintenance of standards,” he said.
In his remarks, the executive secretary of the Fund, Mr. Sonny Echono, charged rectors of polytechnics to explore innovative approaches to skills development and device effective solutions that would enhance quality and relevance of technical education.
He said skills development and entrepreneurship represent a holistic process, where individuals in society pursue opportunities and address needs through innovation.
He noted that acquiring skills prepares individuals for employment across all sectors of the economy and helps to overcome challenges, as well foster a brighter future for the nation and individuals.
