Governor Oyebanji Praises TETFUND for Infrastructure Projects in Ekiti Institutions
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has commended the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) for its significant contributions to the infrastructure development of tertiary institutions in Ekiti State.
Speaking in Ado Ekiti on Monday during the oversight visit of the House of Representatives Committee on TETFUND and other services, Governor Oyebanji, represented by the Head of Service, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, highlighted the positive impact of TETFUND’s interventions on the state’s educational institutions.
Oyebanji noted that TETFUND’s efforts are evident in numerous infrastructural projects at Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti; Bamidele Olumilua University of Science and Technology, Ikere Ekiti; and Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan Ekiti.
“TETFUND has recorded positive impacts which have brought succour to tertiary education not only in terms of infrastructural development but also in the area of human capital development as well as funding of institution-based research,” Oyebanji stated.
The governor emphasized that education remains a top priority for Ekiti State. He assured that all obstacles hindering the effective utilization of TETFUND resources across the state’s institutions will be eliminated.
“We will explore every available resource and avenue to utilize the opportunities that TETFUND offers to establish 21st-century academic institutions in Ekiti State,” he added.
In line with the administration’s focus on infrastructural development, which is one of the six pillars of his governance, Oyebanji mentioned that the state government has increased the monthly subvention to these institutions to further support their growth.
The Chairman of the House Committee, Princess Miriam Onuona, stated that the committee’s visit aimed to monitor and ensure the proper and efficient use of funds allocated for various development projects in the state’s tertiary institutions.
Onuona encouraged the institutions to take advantage of the committee’s visit to address any impediments or challenges in accessing the allocated funds. She noted that delays in utilizing these funds could lead to a loss of value due to inflation.
The lawmaker highlighted that, from 2021 to part of 2024, the three Ekiti State institutions had some unassessed funds. She advised the institutions to consult the team of consultants assembled by the House Committee to identify and resolve any issues preventing them from accessing these funds.
Onuona assured that the committee is collaborating with the executive branch to remove any challenges, including potential amendments to existing laws, to facilitate the efficient disbursement and utilization of TETFUND resources for the institutions.
Governor Oyebanji’s commendation of TETFUND underscores the vital role of the fund in enhancing the infrastructure and overall quality of tertiary education in Ekiti State, aligning with the state’s commitment to educational excellence and development.
