The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) says it has allocated N1 billion for the construction of hostels in 12 tertiary institutions under its 2024 intervention cycle.

TETFund Executive Secretary Sonny Echono disclosed this at a workshop on “Emerging Areas of Students Needs in Beneficiary Institutions” in Abuja on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.

The TETFund boss announced that six universities, three polytechnics, and three colleges of education from various geopolitical zones were selected to benefit from the allocation.

While explaining that the funds would be used as an equity contribution in collaboration with private developers to address the pressing issue of student accommodation, Echono described the current state of hostels as inadequate and in poor condition, adding that they adversely affect students’ performance and well-being.

He disclosed that TETFund received communication from the Federal Ministry of Education regarding presidential directives on supporting teaching practice, including recommendations on allowances.

FG begins hostels’ construction in 36 tertiary institutions nationwide

He said there was a need to revise the funding template for teaching practice in accordance with the received communication.

The TETFund boss said: “As a result of this, we have at several fora advocated the consideration and involvement of the private sector under a Public Private Partnership arrangement to provide solutions to the student accommodation crises across institutions.

“Under the year 2024 intervention cycle, based on Mr President’s approval, 12 institutions (six universities, three polytechnics, and three colleges of education) were identified and selected to benefit from a N1 billion allocation which will be utilised as equity contribution in partnership with private developers to construct hostels in these selected institutions.

“In line with our enabling law, two institutions were selected for each of the six geopolitical zones in the country.

“I am pleased to inform you that the Africa Plus Partners, in partnership with Akwa Ibom State University, will launch the construction of a 1, 600 capacity student hostel through the support of TETFund, tomorrow the 15th of May, 2024.

“The Fund hopes to sustain this development in subsequent years’ intervention and solicit that our beneficiary institutions do the same. Ultimately, our student’s well-being will be greatly enhanced and our tertiary institutions more globally competitive.”

The Star