The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is set to introduce a new intervention to tackle the increasing issues related to Security and Electricity in Nigeria’s Higher Education institutions. Aminu Bello Masari, the Chairman of the TETFund Board of Trustees, revealed this initiative during a recent two-day retreat held by the National Assembly. The event, which took place in Lagos, centred on the pressing “Challenges of Security and Power in Higher Institutions” and saw active participation from lawmakers and academic stakeholders. It emphasised the urgency of addressing these infrastructural and safety challenges in higher education across the country.
During the retreat, Masari discussed TETFund’s aim to improve the academic system nationwide, stressing that educational institutions’ safety and stability are vital for advancing academics and the health of students and staff. He pointed out that threats to security and unreliable electricity supply are significant dangers that could undermine academic achievement and the operational effectiveness of higher institution facilities. These issues have long plagued the sector, impacting students’ academic success and general safety while deterring local and international Investment in the academic system. According to Masari, the solution lies in a well-structured approach to funding that prioritises these challenges.
National Assembly was urged to make funding public schools a top priority.
Masari raised alarms regarding the financial challenges that the organisation is facing, stressing the necessity for targeted and strategic resource distribution to tackle these urgent issues. While they have made progress in supporting the academic sector, Masari recognised the limitations on the Fund’s finances, proposing that a lasting resolution will depend on strong cooperation among TETFund, the government, and private organisations. In pursuit of this objective, he called on the National Assembly to reconsider the funding approach for public institutions serving more than 90 percent of the country’s higher education students.
Also, Masari emphasised the necessity of a reorganised and adequately financed educational system, stressing that education is vital for national development and requires appropriate backing. Notable figures from the National Assembly were present for this event, such as Senator Muntari Dandutse, who leads the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund; Hon. Miriam Onuoha, who chairs the House Committee on TETFund; and Adams Oshiomhole, the former Governor of Edo State and a member of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund.
An unsafe campus greatly disrupts student and staff productivity.
Their participation underscored the cooperative aspect of this initiative and the unified dedication among legislators to enhance the quality and resources accessible to higher institutions. Alongside requesting additional financial resources, the organisation’s management has urged an expanded national dialogue regarding sustainable education financing. Masari emphasised the importance of developing innovative and reliable funding strategies that respond to the sector’s changing demands. He posited that the objective should extend beyond temporary fixes to create a resilient and progressive academic Infrastructure for the future.
Furthermore, the negative impact of an unsafe environment and inconsistent Power Supply in higher institutions is extensive. When safety is at risk, it creates a sense of anxiety and doubt for both students and staff, which obstructs their capacity to concentrate on academic objectives. Occurrences of crime and safety concerns on campus put lives at risk and hinder academic pursuits, frequently resulting in a noticeable drop in the quality of learning offered. Learners confronted with constant safety threats are likelier to miss classes, struggle with their assignments, or participate less in campus activities. Also, when staff feel insecure, it negatively affects their morale, limits productivity, and reduces their capacity to deliver high-quality education.
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Moreover, regular power outages hinder research efforts, postpone projects, and create an unwelcoming academic atmosphere where fundamental facilities become unpredictable. Electrical instability affects research centres, study rooms, and other crucial spaces, limiting institutions’ ability to meet quality standards. Digital Infrastructure is also impacted, with campuses experiencing inconsistent power and struggling to implement modern technologies and online learning resources that are becoming vital in the current educational environment. Tackling the issues related to security and energy in tertiary institutions is crucial for establishing a strong academic foundation. Hopefully, this new program will enhance the environment that promotes effective learning, thereby establishing a safer and more sustainable academic system vital to advancing national growth.