Gambian Gov’t unveils plan to undertake study tour of TETFund

By Mariam Abeeb

The Government of the Republic of Gambia has disclosed its intention to undertake a study tour to Nigeria’s foremost intervention agency, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
This came to limelight on Monday 10th August 2026 when Gambia’s Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology (MoHERST), Hon. Prof. Pierre Gomez led a high-powered delegation to the Executive TETFund, Arc. Sonny S.T Echono at the Fund’s Headquarters in Abuja.
Speaking during the visit, the Gambian Education Minister stated that the purpose of the visit was to inform the Executive Secretary about the establishment of Gambia’s Tertiary and Higher Education Trust (THET) Fund, a replica of Nigeria’s TETFund and to seek the Fund’s assistance and cooperation during a study tour that would be embarked to Nigeria by officials of THET Fund soon.
He revealed that the Gambian authorities have over the years followed the activities and achievements of TETFund carefully on the Fund’s website, its social media handles and other media platforms, and found it necessary to establish a similar agency in order to support higher institutions in the country.
Prof. Gomez emphasized the need for effective collaboration between both agencies specifically in the areas of research and capacity development, noting that it would further strengthen diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Gambia, particularly being neighbours in the West African region.
While welcoming the team earlier to Nigeria, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny S. T Echono expressed appreciation to the Gambian Education Minister and his entourage for the visit.
He gave a brief account of the history of TETFund, noting that its status has over time transformed from when it was originally established as Education Trust Fund (ETF).
The Executive Secretary informed the delegation that the establishment of TETFund arose from critical crisis that faced the tertiary education sector over three decades ago, which necessitated the Federal Government and other critical stakeholders to come up with an alternative source of funding for the institutions.