At a strategic workshop in Abuja on Thursday, TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, revealed that universities will receive N2.8 billion each, polytechnics N1.9 billion, and Colleges of Education N2.1 billion.
Echono explained the breakdown of the allocations: “Under the current disbursement cycle, each university will get N2,560,562,352.66 as normal allocation, with an additional N300,000,000.00 for zonal allocation, bringing the total to N2,860,562,352.66. Polytechnics will receive N1,794,335,731.71 as normal allocation, plus N200,000,000.00 for zonal allocation, totaling N1,994,335,731.71. Colleges of Education will get N1,978,428,260.79 as normal allocation, with N200,000,000.00 for zonal allocation, amounting to N2,178,428,260.79.”
He urged heads of beneficiary institutions to ensure full utilization of their 2024 and previous allocations while expediting procurement processes to access 2025 funds. Echono emphasized that all Physical Infrastructure Development allocations for 2025 must be directed toward upgrading, rehabilitating, and renovating dilapidated infrastructure in line with federal government directives.
The 2025 disbursement cycle also includes significant increases in funding for research and innovation, academic staff training, manuscript and book development, and special projects. Echono outlined the allocation structure: 91.08% for direct disbursement (48.90% annual and 42.18% special), 8.72% for designated projects, and 0.20% for stabilization funds.
Key initiatives under the special disbursement include completing the National Library building in Abuja, establishing mechanized farms in select universities, and accelerating the construction of student hostels through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and direct construction. Other priorities include expanding infrastructure for medical and health sciences programs, adopting medical simulation technologies, providing alternative power solutions, enhancing campus security, and completing distressed projects.
TETFund is also investing heavily in research and innovation, with increased funding for the National Research Fund, institutional research and development (R&D), and initiatives like Research Meets Industry (Triple Helix) to commercialize research outcomes. Additionally, the Fund is establishing central multipurpose research laboratories in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Port Harcourt, along with three new agricultural laboratories and demonstration farms.
New intervention lines introduced in 2025 include Diaspora Outreach/Exchange Programs, Staff Support Funds, electric tricycles for campus transportation, and Student Startup/Innovation Grants. TETFund is also setting up 12 new Entrepreneurship for Innovation Hubs in polytechnics and colleges of education.
Echono highlighted the Fund’s commitment to digitizing and modernizing learning institutions through its TERAS platform, which aligns with global standards. He encouraged institutions to leverage private sector partnerships for infrastructure development and facility management, particularly for student hostels, to reduce reliance on government funding.
The 2025 disbursement cycle reflects TETFund’s ongoing efforts to address critical challenges in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, including infrastructure deficits, research capacity, and student welfare.