- President Tinubu approved over N700bn for tertiary education in 2025 to boost infrastructure and research
- Universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education received substantial allocations to support development
- The funding aimed to improve educational facilities, staff training, and research innovations across Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu has approved the disbursement of over N700 billion to Nigeria’s tertiary institutions through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in 2025, with universities set to receive N2.8 billion each.
The approval was announced by the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, during the 2025 Strategic Planning Meeting with heads of tertiary institutions in Abuja on Thursday, March 13.
Echono detailed the allocation structure, confirming that 91.08% of the funds would be distributed directly to institutions. Of this, 48.90% is earmarked for annual direct disbursements, while 42.18% is designated for special direct disbursements.
Additionally, 8.72% is set aside for designated projects, and 0.20% will be allocated to stabilisation funds.
According to Echono, the distribution will benefit a range of educational institutions: “Each university will receive N2.8 billion, polytechnics N1.9 billion, and colleges of education N2.1 billion as part of the annual direct disbursement,” he said.
The allocation comes as part of the Tinubu administration’s expanded intervention activities, which align with national priorities outlined in the Education Sector Road Map.
The plan, led by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, focuses on improving educational infrastructure and strengthening the sector’s foundations.
In his address, Echono also emphasised the government’s focus on infrastructure development in 2025.
The government has prioritised the upgrading, rehabilitation, and renovation of dilapidated facilities across beneficiary institutions. Institutions are encouraged to consult widely and plan projects ahead of time, with the government stressing the need for early implementation.
“Beneficiaries are advised to utilise their consultancy and physical planning units in preparing projects under the current disbursement cycle,” Echono said.
The Executive Secretary also highlighted a significant increase in allocations for research and innovation, academic staff training, and the development of manuscripts and books.
Furthermore, more institutions will benefit from special and designated projects, ensuring a broader reach for the funding.
Echono urged heads of institutions to begin implementing their allocations promptly, advising them to consult with their communities and ensure timely payments to contractors and vendors.
He also called for the swift utilisation of previous allocations from 2024, ensuring that institutions expedite the procurement process to access the newly approved funds.
The move is part of a broader effort by the Tinubu administration to boost the country’s educational standards and infrastructure, in line with the administration’s commitment to enhancing national development through a robust educational sector.
NELFUND: Federal Government approves disbursement of student loan to successful applicants
Meanwhile, TheRadar previously reported on NELFUND’S approval to disburse loans to successful applicants on Wednesday, June 27, 2024.
This was chaired by Jim Ovia and disclosed on NELFUND'S official ‘X’ handle. Some reactions from students were compiled online who directed their questions to NELFUND to know more about the loan disbursement.
