TETFund Investment to Unlock Skills, Boost Innovation and Economic Growth in North Central — FG

By: Peter Emmanuel |

The Federal Government has said its investment in tertiary education through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) will help unlock the economic potential of the North Central region by developing skills needed for agriculture, mining, technology and other key sectors.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Thursday in Lokoja, Kogi State, at the 2026 TETFund North Central Zonal Town Hall Meeting.

Idris said universities, polytechnics and colleges of education must align their programmes with the development needs of the region and produce graduates equipped with relevant skills.

He said the region’s agricultural, mineral, energy and industrial opportunities require institutions that can produce scientists, engineers, agricultural experts, technicians and entrepreneurs.

The Minister added that education remained not only an economic investment but also a tool for national security and social stability.

TETFund Funding Targets Skills Development, Better Learning Facilities

Idris said the Federal Government’s commitment to tertiary education was reflected in the 2026 TETFund intervention, with about ₦2.53 billion allocated to each public university, ₦1.87 billion to each polytechnic and ₦2.06 billion to each college of education.

He said the funding would support the development of laboratories, lecture halls, libraries, research facilities and other learning infrastructure across tertiary institutions.

The Minister described the intervention as more than budgetary allocation, saying it represented improved learning environments and better opportunities for students.

He urged institutions to ensure that the funds were used effectively to improve academic standards and provide quality education.

Idris also called on stakeholders to maintain transparency, monitoring and accountability in the management of TETFund interventions.

FG Pushes Research, Innovation and Industry Linkages

The Minister said tertiary institutions must move beyond producing graduates and become centres for research, innovation and solutions to national challenges.

He stressed the need for stronger partnerships between universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and industries to ensure that graduates acquire skills relevant to the labour market.

Idris highlighted the importance of digital skills, technical and vocational education, entrepreneurship programmes and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) in expanding opportunities for young Nigerians.

He said research and innovation should contribute to job creation, industrial growth and improved economic competitiveness.

The Minister urged tertiary institutions in the North Central region to focus on areas such as agriculture, mining, manufacturing, technology and energy to drive development.

Kogi Governor Seeks Solution-Based Research in Tertiary Institutions

The Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, said tertiary institutions must transform from being centres of learning into institutions that provide practical solutions to national challenges.

Ododo called for more research focused on agriculture, mining, healthcare, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, renewable energy and security.

He said research outcomes should move beyond academic discussions and contribute to improving the lives of Nigerians.

The governor added that tertiary institutions could play a major role in turning the region’s natural resources and human capital into food security, industrial growth and sustainable development.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, represented by Prof. Babatunde Bernard; former Kogi State Governor, Captain Idris Wada; Chairman of TETFund Board of Trustees, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, among other dignitaries.