By Felix Khanoba
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) says it has allocated N1 billion for hostel construction across 12 institutions as part of its 2024 intervention cycle.
Speaking at a workshop in Abuja, TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, announced that six universities, three polytechnics, and three colleges of education from various geopolitical zones were selected to benefit from this allocation.
Echono emphasized that the funds would be used as an equity contribution in collaboration with private developers to address the pressing issue of student accommodation.
He highlighted the dire state of existing hostels, describing them as inadequate and in poor condition, which adversely affects students’ performance and well-being.
Acknowledging the government’s efforts to build hostels, Echono stressed the need for private sector involvement through Public Private Partnerships (PPP) to tackle the accommodation crisis effectively.
Furthermore, Echono discussed the importance of teaching practice interventions, emphasizing its role in improving pedagogical skills and shaping future educators.
He revealed that TETFund received communication from the Federal Ministry of Education regarding presidential directives on supporting teaching practice, including recommendations on allowances.
Echono emphasized the need to revise the funding template for teaching practice in accordance with the received communication.
