The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has raised concerns over the impact of rising electricity tariffs on Nigerian tertiary institutions, vowing to step in and address the crisis.

TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to strengthening research capabilities within local institutions, eliminating the need to send research samples abroad. “We will continue efforts to improve the capacities of our institutions to become centers of excellence, improve their global rankings, and make our students globally competitive,” he stated.

Amid concerns over the proliferation of tertiary institutions despite limited resources, Echono defended the expansion, citing the growing number of applicants. “With over two million candidates seeking admission yearly and only 600,000 securing placements, there is a need for more higher institutions,” he explained.

Speaking at the ninth convocation lecture of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Echono also advocated for full autonomy in Nigerian universities, emphasizing the need for financial, administrative, and academic independence. He urged institutions to set their own fees and explore commercial opportunities to achieve self-sufficiency.

“Autonomy enables universities to enhance infrastructure through industry collaborations, alumni support, and partnerships with research institutions. It also fosters global cooperation, shared courses, dual-degree programs, and cultural exchanges,” he stated.

Currently, Nigeria’s University Autonomy Act applies only to federal institutions. Echono, however, called on stakeholders to push for its adoption in state universities to establish a uniform system. “Stakeholders must assist in persuading the states to adopt these provisions in their enabling laws to ensure uniformity in the system,” he added.