By Sodiq Adelakun

In the year 2023, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has commissioned over 70 projects in 17 tertiary institutions across 11 states in Nigeria.

This was revealed by the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Mr. Sonny Echono.

He further stated that the agency aims to double this figure in 2024, thanks to increased funding to the education sector by the Federal Government, as long as the benefiting institutions follow the required procedures.

Mr. Echono made these remarks during the commissioning of two projects sponsored by TETFund at Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke. These projects were executed under the 2017 and 2019 (Merged) Annual Intervention.

The commissioning of these projects highlights TETFund’s commitment to improving infrastructure and facilities in tertiary institutions across the country.

He said, “The increase in funding to the education sector by the Federal Government is a positive development that will enable TETFund to undertake more projects in the coming years.

“However, it is crucial for the benefiting institutions to adhere to the necessary procedures to ensure transparency and accountability in the execution of these projects.

“TETFund’s efforts in commissioning these projects are a step towards achieving the goal of providing quality education and improving the overall standard of tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

“With the continued support of the Federal Government and the cooperation of the benefiting institutions, TETFund is poised to make significant contributions to the development of the education sector in the country..

“This event forms part of an ongoing series of project commissioning that the Fund had embarked upon this year in our beneficiary institutions spread across the country.

“So far in this year alone, over 70 projects have been commissioned in 17 beneficiary institutions across 11 States of the Federation and the count is still on.

“The two projects to be formally inaugurated today were doggedly executed between years 2019 and 2022 at a total cost of N361,232,123.88. They include a Storey Block of Offices for the Office of Technology Management, and 2. A 600-seater Capacity Auditorium.

“No doubt, the financing of the projects by TETFund is a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to the provision of requisite physical infrastructure in the nation’s public tertiary institutions, in line with the “Renewed Hope” Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed,” Echeno, who was represented by the agency’s Director Human Resources, Mr. Okunola Kolapo, said.

In his remarks, the Senator representing Osun East in the Senate, Francis Fadahunsi, who commissioned the projects, assured that the Senate would continue to support the federal government through legislation to improve funding of the education sector.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the College’s Governing Council, Prince Diran Odeyemi and the Rector, Dr. Sunday Adegoke, called for more support of the agency in the area of infrastructural development.

Founder of Upsurge Foundation formerly called Upsurge Global,  Aliu Toluwani Victor, has been nominated for the prestigious Future Africa Award under the Education category.

Known for his impactful work in EdTech and digital education, Toluwani has dedicated himself to fostering global leaders through youth empowerment and entrepreneurship.

As a current Global Youth Ambassador at Theirworld, Toluwani has been at the forefront of innovative initiatives such as the National Leadership Summit and Royal Leadership Fellowship. His commitment to advancing education is evident in his efforts, having successfully trained over 5,000 students across 30 secondary and tertiary institutions, promoting EdTech and design thinking for community development.

Toluwani’s initiatives, including the groundbreaking “Aliu Empowerment Program” that granted tuition-free scholarships to over 40 students and the skill development powerhouse “Regal Tech Academy” which has equipped hundreds of students with tech skills across Africa, have made a substantial impact on education.

Toluwani organised the African Royal Leadership Fellowship in Kigali, Rwanda, hosting fellows from 5 African countries. This event not only showcased his commitment to global youth empowerment but also highlighted his dedication to fostering positive change on a continental scale. Collaborating with esteemed organizations such as Sterling One Foundation, JCI Rwanda, United Nations Association of Nigeria, and The Queen’s Commonwealth Trust UK, Toluwani is a beacon of inspiration for young people worldwide.

His nomination for the Future Africa Award in the Education category is a testament to his unwavering dedication to advancing education through technology. The Future Africa Award, recognised by Forbes International as the “most important youth awards,” acknowledges individuals making significant contributions to society. Toluwani’s nomination highlights the impact of his work and the transformative role he plays in shaping the future of education in Africa.

Lead City Voices, a student association in Lead City University has rewarded students with cash prizes worth over N50,000 at its annual debate.

The 8th inter-faculty debate competition had its theme as: “Nigeria Educational crisis: Is it Government, Students, Parents, Teachers, Curriculum the cause?”

Representatives from Lead City’s faculty of communication and information sciences, Faculty of  Education, Faculty of management and social sciences, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Pharmacy, Environmental design & management, Engineering, Natural & Applied Sciences, College of Medicine participated in the debate.

In the grand finale, Faculty of Natural and Applied sciences ended with 140 points for supporting the notion given, Faculty of Law had a total of 145 points, Faculty of Management and social sciences garnered a total of 150 points to beat Faculty of Law.

The Faculty of Management and social sciences emerged as the overall winner with a congratulatory cash prize of N25,000 award certificate and Lead City Voices magazine and journal.

The dexterity of the Faculty of Law earned them the second position and a cash prize of N15,000 with an award certificate alongside Lead City Voices magazine and journal.

The eloquent and well crafted speech of the Faculty of Natural and Applied sciences made them emerge as the 3rd position with a cash prize of N10,000, award certificate, Lead City Voices Magazine and journal.

Commenting, the President of Leadcity Voices President, Ogunola Victor disclosed that the first round of the debate, which held on 21 November, 2023 afforded speakers from the participating Faculties five minutes each, while the chief speakers had an additional minute to summarise their points.

He added that participants were placed in two groups, with each having a topic to support or oppose accordingly.

Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kabiru Adeyemo represented by the University’s Head of Marketing, Dr (Mrs) A. Deborah, praised LCV for organising the debate which will help students think critically as well as proffer tangible contributions to issues of worldwide importance.