The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has approved a total of N6.452 billion for 271 public tertiary institutions across Nigeria as part of its 2026 intervention programme.
The funding, confirmed by the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, during a meeting with vice-chancellors, rectors, and provosts in Abuja, aims to enhance infrastructure, improve teaching and learning, strengthen research capacity, and promote innovation in the nation’s tertiary education sector. The allocations will be disbursed directly to the beneficiary institutions.
Under the 2026 disbursement framework, universities are set to receive N2.525 billion, polytechnics N1.871 billion, and colleges of education N2.056 billion. Echono noted that annual direct disbursements account for approximately 90.75 percent of total allocations, combining regular and special interventions.
He praised President Bola Tinubu for approving the funding guidelines early and for prioritising reforms in tertiary education under the Renewed Hope Agenda. “All universities, regardless of age or enrolment, will receive N2,525,932,228.02 each, polytechnics N1,871,059,920.53 each, and colleges of education N2,056,527,973.04 each,” he stated.
Echono also introduced a new initiative, the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN), to improve access to global academic resources and integrate research, education, and application platforms. He said TETFund would continue to invest in laboratories, workshops, student exposure programmes, and construction projects, particularly in ICT and agriculture, to modernize university farms and research facilities.
The TETFund boss cautioned institutions against leaving funds idle, stressing that future allocations would depend on how effectively current resources are utilized. He also urged institutions to fully embrace the TERAS platform to streamline fund management and reporting.
“This year, we expect growth, innovation, and measurable impact across Nigeria’s tertiary education sector,” Echono concluded.
