Tuesday, August 12, 2025 - Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has disclosed that in line with its mandate towards public tertiary educational institutions, six multidisciplinary research laboratories are being installed at different locations across the country.
TETFund said four of the state-of-the-art facilities were
currently being installed in Rivers, Kano, Abuja, and Lagos, while work on the
two will commence before the end of the year.
In a related development, TETFund, in collaboration with
Sa’adu Zungur University (SAZU), trained 1,000 students and 15 staff members on
career choices and professional development.
The training, organised by the university’s Directorate of
Human Resource and Career Development, and fully sponsored by TETFund, was
aimed at building the professional capacity of both students and staff.
Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, disclosed the
installation of the six multidisciplinary research laboratories, yesterday, in
Abuja while receiving the leadership of Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA),
led by its President, Mobolaji Adeniyi.
Echono revealed that the agency would soon commission some
iconic projects across the country, adding that four of the projects would be
unveiled in Kano and Osun states before the end of the month.
He said that would enable researchers conduct a wide range
research locally, thereby eliminating the need to send research samples abroad
for analysis.
According to Echono, “The biggest observation that was made
when I became TETFund Executive Secretary was the fact that we were dotting our
campuses with all sorts of blocks. But we are now transiting to iconic
buildings.
“I am pleased to report that, within the week, we would
commission some of the projects that I feel proud to associate with, and then
Nigerians will see what the new type of architecture of our campuses that
reflect the ambience that is required.
“Campus architecture has its own serene, its own grandeur
that is known all over the world. And they were trying to recreate that in our
campuses. Thereafter, we will be in Osun State, where we will commission
several projects before the end of the month.
“So, Nigerians will begin to see what our campuses should
look like, not some of the horrible videos that we have seen depicting inhumane
living environment.”
Adeniyi applauded the intervention agency under Echono for
the development of infrastructure in the education sector.
The NIA president called for patronage by more NIA members,
especially in the design of institutions’ infrastructure.
Adeniyi stated, “These interventions in Nigeria’s Tertiary
Education sector have left indelible marks in our educational development.
“We commend specifically the much-heralded initiative of the
TETFund Centres of Excellence (TCoEs) interventions across some tertiary
institutions nationwide. Our institutions are referred to as Citadels of
Knowledge & Learning isn’t a misnomer. It connotes a certain level of
characteristic command of presence and ambience which are aptly exhibited by
our first-generation universities.”
Vice Chancellor of SAZU, Professor Fatimah Tahir, said the
institution was committed to preparing students, not only for academic success,
but also for professional excellence.
The workshop, themed, “Empowering Future Professionals:
Mastering Career Tools, Building Networks, and Navigating Opportunities,”
marked what Tahir described as a new institutional direction towards
institutionalising career guidance and industry engagement across all faculties
and disciplines.
“This workshop is designed to build the capacity of our
nominated Faculty Career Officers and a team of dedicated staff who will serve
as faculty anchors for implementing our career development programmes,” Tahir
said.
She appreciated TETFund for its sponsorship and support in
establishing the university’s Career Service Centre.
She added, “Through TETFund’s intervention, we are now
empowered to create sustainable structures that provide our students and alumni
with lifelong career support. Their investment in human capital is not only
commendable but transformational.”
Director of Human Resource and Career Development, Dr.
Wasilu Suleman, described the training as a turning point for the university,
placing career development at the centre of academic excellence.
Addressing the participants, Suleman stressed the importance
of the role staff played in career guidance.
He stated, “You are not just support staff; you are mentors,
facilitators, connectors, and enablers. You will translate vision into
practice, helping students discover purpose, build competence, and compete
effectively in today’s dynamic labour market.”
The facilitators covered topics, including résumé and cover
letter writing, internship and volunteer opportunities, mock interviews, and
negotiation skills.
With the completion of the workshop, participants were
expected to be better equipped to navigate career paths and opportunities.
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