Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has stated that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) had so far contributed for over 60 percent of the development in public tertiary institutions in the state.
Namadi disclosed this on Thursday, July 6, 2023 when he paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono in Abuja.
The Governor who commended TETund for its numerous interventions in the state, noted that the tertiary institutions in the state had seen tremendous growth in both infrastructural and human development through the interventions.
He gave an example of how one of the institutions which through TETFund intervention has expanded from having three faculties to six faculties.
Namadi also pleaded for more support from the TETFund as he lamented that though the Jigawa State government is committed to develop the sector, it was handicapped due to its low lnternally Generated Revenue (IGR).
“We need the interventions to continue as they are because TETFund is the backbone of the institutions. Jigawa has little resources. Our IGR is small. We need to develop our education sector and the government is committed. That’s why we are here to ask for help. Please consider giving intervention to other institutions as you are doing to state universities,” he said.
Responding, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, congratulated the Governor on his victory at the 2023 poll and his subsequent inauguration as of Jigawa State.
While thanking the governor for finding time to come and appreciate the Fund for its interventions in his state, Echono assured that Jigawa State would continue to get its fair share from TETFund’s resources.
Recalling that most tertiary institutions in the state were badly affected by previous flood and insecurity,he promised that TETFund would intervend in flood and security infrastructure.
Echono recalled that last year, TETFund released N3 billion special intervention to the Federal University of Science and Technology in the state.
He said: “Jigawa is one of our frontiers when we talk about emerging technologies.It is a state of peace, with very harmonious, very hospitable people.
“I recall when the federal government in recognition of this,decided to establish the federal university of science and technology. I had a privilege of leading a team there. I want to assure you that TETFund will continue to support your efforts at developing the educational system in Jigawa.
“We will ensure that Jigawa gets its fair share of the resources in TETFund.
“We are also going to address the aftermath of flood that happened last year or two years ago where some of the infrastructure were affected. We’re going to be looking at that and also the issue of security infrastructure. It’s another area we are looking at to support Jigawa State, in addition to your normal entitlement as provided in the law.”
