By HOSEA NYAMLONG
Plateau State University (PLASU), Bokkos, is set to receive a substantial ₦700 million intervention from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to strengthen the institution’s security apparatus and enhance its critical infrastructure.
The grant, which supplements PLASU’s regular statutory allocations through the North Central zone, underscores the government’s renewed commitment to improving the learning environment and ensuring the safety of both students and staff.
During an inspection visit to assess ongoing TETFund-sponsored projects, Engineer Nurudeen Adeyemi, a member of the TETFund Board of Trustees, disclosed the new allocation.
He reaffirmed the Fund’s dedication to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope philosophy, stressing that Nigerian tertiary students must graduate with practical knowledge capable of driving positive societal change.
Adeyemi highlighted the importance of skills acquisition, entrepreneurship and innovation in tertiary institutions.
He urged universities to establish career centres and empower youths to engage in productive digital enterprises rather than illicit activities.
The TETFund representative expressed satisfaction with progress recorded across various ongoing projects in PLASU, commending the near-completion of the Mass Communication building and the successful delivery of the girls’ hostel.
However, he called for expedited efforts to complete the Faculty of Environmental Sciences building.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of PLASU, Professor Shedrack Best, expressed deep appreciation for TETFund’s consistent support, noting that the Fund remained a lifeline for Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), Professor Moses Galadima Pefa, Best stated that without TETFund’s interventions, most universities in Nigeria would lack meaningful infrastructure and academic advancement.
“Without TETFund projects, there would be very little left in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. We deeply appreciate TETFund’s contributions to revitalising the education sector,” he said.
He revealed that about 65 PLASU academic staff were currently benefitting from TETFund’s academic development sponsorships, which had provided opportunities for international training and postgraduate studies.
Professor Pefa assured the TETFund delegation of PLASU’s firm commitment to protecting and maintaining all funded projects.
He reiterated the university’s determination to uphold the highest standards of transparency and accountability in managing TETFund resources, noting that the interventions had significantly elevated both the academic and infrastructural landscape of the institution.