TETFund Moves To Improve Power Supply In Tertiary Institutions

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has launched a Special Intervention aimed at addressing the issue of frequent power failures in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

The Chairman of TETFund’s Board of Trustees, Hon. Aminu Masari, made this announcement on Wednesday during the inauguration of the steering committee for the Alternative Energy Solution Initiative in tertiary institutions.

Masari, who is also a former governor of Katsina State, explained that the initiative is part of TETFund’s commitment to supporting the government’s efforts in ensuring a steady power supply to tertiary institutions across the country. He emphasized the critical role of power supply in enhancing learning and research activities, which have been severely affected by inconsistent electricity in many institutions.

“We all know that the combination of factors such as rising tariffs and other challenges has made it increasingly difficult for these institutions to maintain a steady power supply,” Masari noted.

He pointed out that power demand is essential for improving the learning and research environment, which is key to the development of students and academic progress in tertiary institutions.

The newly formed committee, headed by Hon. Sunday Adepoju, a member of TETFund’s Board of Trustees, has been tasked with submitting a preliminary report within two months. The committee will also be involved in the implementation of the initiative.

This move comes in the wake of the Federal Government’s efforts to address the power challenges in tertiary institutions through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). The REA plans to provide captive solar hybrid power plants to 15 federal tertiary institutions and two teaching hospitals as part of broader efforts to expand electricity access to underserved communities.

The lack of reliable power supply has long been a major obstacle for Nigerian tertiary institutions, negatively impacting the learning environment and academic activities. The introduction of a reliable power source is expected to significantly improve the quality of education and research, creating a better atmosphere for both students and staff.