The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has allocated a substantial N70 billion in its 2025 budget to provide alternative power solutions, primarily solar energy, to Nigerian universities and other higher education institutions.

This move is part of the Federal Government’s efforts to combat the ongoing energy crisis affecting educational facilities across the country.

During a strategic meeting with heads of tertiary institutions in Abuja, TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, emphasized the importance of improving energy access for institutions, particularly those with large student populations.

“What we have done is to make a significant allocation for this year, about 70 billion. We recognize the challenges you face, particularly those with higher student population in paying electricity bills. So we want to be able to provide these competitive energy sources for you, mainly through solar,” Echono said.

Echono also issued a stern warning to institutions, stressing that those who fail to meet performance benchmarks or mismanage allocated funds could be delisted from TETFund’s support.

“Institutions that consistently fail to access, utilize or retire funds appropriately, or that fall short of enrollment and academic performance thresholds, risk being delisted as TETFund beneficiary institutions,” he added.

Additionally, Echono announced the suspension of the foreign component of the TETFund Scholarship for Academic Staff (TSAS) due to rising costs and an increase in scholars absconding.

Going forward, the focus will be on locally-driven academic training programs.

The move to address the energy crisis and enhance academic development reflects a broader commitment to improving Nigeria’s tertiary education system, ensuring sustainability, and completing abandoned infrastructure projects.