By Amos Aar
TERTIARY Education Trust Fund (TETFund), has commissioned six projects worth over two billion naira at the Benue State University (BSU), Makurdi.
The projects commissioned Thursday by President Muhammadu Buhari include an academic office block, block of offices at the College of Health Sciences, Faculty of Education Complex, Health and Counseling Development Center and Faculty of Science Complex, all at BSU.
Represented by Minister of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Sen. George Akume, President Buhari assured that the federal government would continue to commit resources to the growth and development of tertiary education, considering the key role he said tertiary institutions play in the socio-economic development of any nation.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sunny Echono, explained that the projects which commenced in May 2019 were completed in April 2023 at a total cost of N2.18 billion.
The Executive Secretary further disclosed that in Benue state where the fund has eight benefitting institutions, it has invested about N8.83 billion in the provision of physical infrastructure interventions between 2011 and 2021.
According to him, apart from the content-based interventions through which the fund sponsors the capacity development of both teaching and non-teaching staff for acquisition of higher degree qualifications as well as attendance of conferences locally and internationally, the federal government, through TETFund has made huge investments in the provision of requisite infrastructure to aid teaching, learning and research in the nation’s public tertiary institutions spread all over the country.
He said TETFund decided to showcase the achievements of Buhari’s administration through the commissioning of iconic projects completed by the benefitting institutions as an attestation to the commitment of government of ensuring that the institutions attain higher global rankings in the delivery of academic content within a conducive environment.
Arc. Echono who commended BSU for ensuring quality delivery of the projects and for sticking to the terms approved by the Fund urged the institution to put the building to its various proper use as well as maintenance to serve the generation coming behind to acquire learning in the institution.
In his remarks, governor Samuel Ortom who was also the visitor to the university was represented by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Prof. Joseph Ngbea, commended the outstanding contribution of TETFund to the development of tertiary institutions particularly in the state and the country at large and urged the university management to ensure proper maintenance of the facilities.
Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Joe Iorapuu expressed appreciation to TETFund, founding fathers of BSU and all those who have contributed to the growth and development of the citadel of learning.
