TETFund Tackles Electricity Crisis in Nigeria’s Tertiary Institutions in 2025

TETFund Tackles Electricity Crisis in Nigeria’s Tertiary Institutions in 2025
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), under the Federal Government, is committed to solving the electricity problems plaguing Nigeria’s higher education institutions in 2025.
This announcement was made by TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arch Sunny Echonno, during an interview at the 34th convocation of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, on Friday.
In his address, Echonno shared insights about the fund’s future role and initiatives. He also delivered the Convocation Lecture titled “TETFund and Educational Development in Nigeria: The History, the Treasure, and the Future.”
Echonno explained that providing reliable power to tertiary institutions is a priority for the current administration. He emphasized that President Bola Tinubu has set energy solutions in Nigerian universities as a central program for his government. As part of this strategy, President Tinubu has directed TETFund to take decisive action in addressing this power issue.
A significant part of TETFund’s resources for the year 2025 will be allocated toward alternative power solutions in higher education institutions. Echonno confirmed that the process has already begun.
“You may recall that many institutions have had to close in the past due to overwhelming energy bills,” Echonno said. “The tariff structure and demand are two key challenges. The government is tackling this through multiple avenues, including CNG, solar power, and efforts by the Rural Electrification Agency.”
He also mentioned that the Federal Government has established legacy funds for this purpose. The President has directed TETFund to allocate a large portion of these funds to solve the power problems facing universities.
ALSO READ: World Bank’s Bold $1.2bn Investment to Transform Girls’ Education
“We are already on the ground to begin implementing this,” Echonno affirmed.
Expanding on the subject of educational development, Echonno highlighted the importance of investing in human capital. He emphasized that education is crucial for unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s natural resources, encouraging innovation, and creating services and goods that are vital for the nation’s growth.
“As the world shifts towards a digital economy, Nigeria must be ready to take its place in that global shift,” Echonno explained. “To succeed, we must invest in our people and ensure they are prepared to compete in the global job market.”
Echonno also stressed the need for universities to reduce their dependency on government funding. He suggested that self-reliance is essential for sustainability in the long term.
“We are working to help universities build partnerships, invest in entrepreneurship, and develop initiatives to generate additional income,” he said. “For instance, universities can establish farms, revive their consultancy units, and collaborate with the private sector, such as in building hostels.”
This move, Echonno added, is part of a broader strategy to elevate Nigerian universities to the world’s top rankings.
“We are determined that, in the future, our universities will stand among the best globally,” he said, concluding his remarks.
0 comment