TETFUND spends N23.8bn on library development in tertiary institutions

From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

The Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Professor Suleiman Elias, has said that in the last 12 years TETFUND has spent the sum of N 23.843 billion on Library development in public tertiary institutions across the country.

The Executive Secretary, who was represented by his North Central Zone Coordinator, Arc Isah Mann made the disclosure yesterday during a two- day workshop on e-Library for librarians of higher institutions from across the north-central zone, in Minna.

He noted that the Fund had recorded a rise in revenue allocation whereby an average of 71 percent increment was recorded in 2013, saying the increase in the allocation was made possible by the rise in education tax collection in 2013.

According to him, TETFUND board of trustees had approved five years vision for the fund with a view to deepen focus on academic content for improved quality and excellence, adding that a new department of research and development as well as a centre of excellence had been created with the sole aim of institutionalizing research in tertiary institutions.

He said, “I want to assure you that the TETFUND is fully committed to the delivery of high quality and forward looking transformative interventions for the educational development of our nation.

“I, therefore, wish to implore stakeholders in the education sector to continue their collaboration with Fund with a view of ensuring the development of the required high quality manpower to drive the Nigerian economy,” he added.

Earlier in his address, the Chairman Board of Trustee of TETFUND, Dr. Musa Babayo, who was also represented by Abdullahi Oniyangi said the Fund recognised the importance of Library and Librarians in enhancing teaching and research activities in the tertiary institutions.