The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) has unveiled a major financial intervention plan, earmarking a total of N6.452 billion for distribution to 271 public tertiary institutions across Nigeria in the 2026 cycle. The announcement, which details significant funding for infrastructure, academics, and research, follows the formal approval of the disbursement guidelines by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Breakdown of the N6.45 Billion Allocation
During a strategic stakeholders' meeting held in Abuja, TETFund's Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, provided a clear breakdown of the annual direct intervention funds. According to the allocation, universities will receive the highest share at N2.525 billion each. Polytechnics are allocated N1.871 billion, while colleges of education are set to get N2.056 billion.
Echono clarified that this direct disbursement constitutes approximately 90.75% of the total annual allocation, encompassing both regular and special intervention lines. Allocation letters were reportedly handed over to the beneficiary institutions during the Abuja meeting, setting the stage for the implementation of critical projects.
New Intervention Line and Strict Utilization Warning
A key highlight of the 2026 intervention cycle is the introduction of a new funding line dedicated to the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN). This initiative aims to broaden access to global academic resources and integrate the TERAS digital platform more deeply into the institutional network.
However, the TETFund boss issued a stern warning to all institutions. He emphasized that schools must fully utilise their existing 2025 allocations to remain eligible for future disbursements. Echono stated that future funding would be rigorously tied to performance, student enrolment figures, and the effective use of allocated resources.
He also pointed out persistent challenges from previous cycles, including delays in project approvals, cumbersome procurement processes, and suboptimal use of the TERAS platform, urging institutions to address these bottlenecks promptly.
Aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda
Echono commended President Tinubu for approving the guidelines, noting that the move is in perfect alignment with the administration's Renewed Hope Agenda to revitalise Nigeria's tertiary education system. The funds are strategically designed to enhance physical infrastructure, improve teaching and learning environments, and significantly boost research output nationwide.
Beyond the direct intervention, TETFund reaffirmed its commitment to continued investments in specialised areas. These include upgrading research laboratories, advancing ICT development, improving agricultural facilities, and bolstering security infrastructure on campuses. The agency also plans to strengthen partnerships with the private sector to enhance student exposure and practical skills development.
This substantial intervention comes against the backdrop of a significant budgetary allocation to the education sector. For the 2026 fiscal year, the Federal Ministry of Education received an allocation of over N2.40 trillion, placing it among the top ten ministries with the highest funding, as outlined in the N58.47 trillion budget presented by President Tinubu in December 2025.
