The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced plans to establish six state-of-the-art multidisciplinary research laboratories across the Country, alongside a renewed partnership with the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) to deliver world-class campus designs in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary of TETFund, stated this during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the NIA to his Office in Abuja. He said four of the laboratories, in Port Harcourt, Kano, Abuja and Lagos already under construction, while two more, in Nsukka and Maiduguri, would commence before the end of the year.
According to Echono, the facilities will enable researchers to conduct cutting-edge studies without having to send samples abroad due to inadequate equipment.
He added that the Fund is also rolling out 78 innovation hubs across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical application, particularly in technical and vocational education.
Highlighting the central role of architecture in TETFund’s interventions, Echono noted that about 70% of its projects involve building works, adding that only registered and practicing architects would be engaged in shaping the infrastructure of Nigeria’s higher institutions.
“We are transitioning from scattered, uninspiring structures to iconic buildings that reflect the serenity, grandeur, and identity of academic environments worldwide,” he said.
Earlier, Mobolaji Adeniyi, NIA President, commended TETFund’s interventions in transforming the nation’s tertiary education landscape and reiterated the Institute’s vision to inspire excellence in the built environment.
She urged TETFund’s support in furnishing the NIA Resource and Exhibition Centre, sponsoring design competitions, and empowering architects to contribute more to national development.
In response to NIA’s requests, TETFund approved a ₦5 million grant to support the Institute’s journal and expressed willingness to back annual architectural competitions for educational facilities, endow prizes, and explore partnerships for showcasing TETFund projects through exhibitions and peer reviews.
Echono assured the Institute of greater collaboration, promising fairer project distribution to expand opportunities for more professionals. “We want Nigerians to begin to see what our campuses should look like, not the unpleasant images of poor facilities but environments that inspire learning, innovation, and excellence,” he said.
