TETFund commissions N717m lecture theatre at Nasarawa varsity

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has inaugurated a N717.4 million social sciences lecture theatre and office complex at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK).

Aminu Masari, chairman of TETFund’s board of trustees, inaugurated the project on Tuesday at the university’s Keffi campus.

The new facility, executed under the 2020/2021 merged annual intervention, comprises 22 en-suite offices, four 200-seater lecture theatres, and 12 public conveniences.

Speaking at the ceremony, Masari said the project aligns with the federal government’s agenda for the education sector.

He lauded the NSUK management for transparency in implementing TETFund projects, noting that this was the third project the fund had commissioned at the institution within two to three years.

“It shows the institution’s resolve to ensure funds are judiciously used with verifiable results,” Masari said.

“The fused lecture theatre and office complex to be inaugurated shortly is of the years 2020/2021 (merged) annual intervention, being hosted under the Faculty of Social Sciences, and completed at a total cost of N717,374,213.75.

“We are optimistic that this facility will aid teaching and learning in a comfortable environment, having been furnished and adequately equipped for that purpose.”

Masari also disclosed that since NSUK became a TETFund beneficiary in 2003, it has received over N12.7 billion for infrastructure-related interventions, with about 80 per cent accessed and visibly utilised across the campus.

Giving an update on the fund’s activities, he added that TETFund had recorded about 71 per cent completion of infrastructure-based projects across its beneficiary institutions between January and September 2025.

While urging the university to ensure proper maintenance of the new building, Masari reaffirmed TETFund’s commitment to supporting innovation, ICT advancement, and sustainable power supply in tertiary institutions.

He also explained that the fund has temporarily stepped down foreign training for lecturers due to high exchange rates and issues of abscondment, choosing to focus more on impactful local interventions.

“We are optimistic that these special interventions will yield appreciable dividends soon,” he said.

Representing Sonny Echono, TETFund’s executive secretary, the fund’s director of monitoring and evaluation, Babatunde Olajide, said the project symbolises TETFund’s determination to strengthen Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

“This event stands as a testament to our shared commitment to advancing tertiary education in Nigeria,” he said.

“We commend the university for its prudent utilisation of funds and timely completion of projects.”

Olajide noted that TETFund remains aware of challenges caused by inflation and exchange rate volatility, which have affected project delivery timelines, and urged universities to prioritise maintenance.

In her remarks, Sa’adatu Liman, the vice-chancellor of NSUK, described the day as a momentous occasion, acknowledging TETFund’s role in the university’s progress.

“These interventions have improved access to education and enhanced working conditions for our staff,” Liman said.

“This magnificent structure has been proudly sponsored by TETFund. It will promote teaching, enhance research, and create a truly conducive environment for our students.”

The VC revealed that NSUK was recently ranked the Number One University in Nigeria for Quality Education by the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings under Sustainable Development Goal 4, thanking TETFund for being a worthy partner.

She assured the fund of NSUK’s continued transparency in managing intervention projects and appealed for more structures for faculties, lecture theatres, and solar power.

John Mamman, the state’s commissioner of education, commended TETFund for its support of tertiary education.