TETFund Allocates ₦70 Billion to 18 Institutions for Mini-Grid Power Projects

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced the allocation of ₦70 billion to 18 higher institutions across Nigeria for the development of mini-grid power projects under its 2025 intervention cycle.

This initiative is expected to address one of the biggest challenges facing Nigerian tertiary institutions — the high cost of electricity and frequent power outages.

Tackling Power Challenges in Tertiary Institutions

Speaking at the 2025 town hall meeting for TETFund beneficiary institutions in the South-South, Aboh Uduyok, a member of the TETFund Board of Trustees, explained that the initiative would provide sustainable, renewable, and cost-effective electricity to campuses.

According to him:

“This bold step will ensure stable electricity supply to institutions, lower operational costs, and enhance research and learning.”

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The mini-grid project aims to reduce dependence on unreliable public power supply while enabling universities and polytechnics to save costs and channel more resources into academic development.

Other Beneficiary Projects

TETFund also extended funding to several tertiary institutions in the South-South under its High Impact Projects and Disaster Recovery Intervention Programmes. Beneficiaries include:

• Federal University of Science and Technology, Ikot Abasi
• Bayelsa State Polytechnic, Aleibiri
• Admiralty University, Ibusa
• Niger Delta University, Wilberforce
• University of Cross River State

These projects cover infrastructure development, disaster recovery, and academic research support.

Stakeholders Call for Stronger Partnerships

Uduyok emphasized the importance of partnerships with stakeholders to ensure transparent and sustainable execution of projects. He urged institutions to maintain the facilities provided and adopt a strong maintenance culture.

In his presentation, Ntia Thompson, CEO of Carsem Consult Limited, called for TETFund to adopt a needs-based allocation formula that reflects the unique priorities of different regions. He also suggested the creation of a South-South Innovation Window to drive practical research and innovation.

He noted that:

• Alumni, diaspora communities, and private industry players should be mobilized as co-investors.
• TETFund should transition from being just a funder to a catalytic partner that transforms research into practical, market-driven solutions.

Stakeholders’ Concerns

While stakeholders commended the mini-grid initiative, they also raised concerns on broader issues affecting higher education funding.

• Some called for an increase in the education tax beyond the current 3%, arguing that the 0.5% increment from the previous 2.5% was insufficient to meet growing education demands.
• Others questioned the creation of a special desk for the Ministry of Education in TETFund, describing it as unnecessary bureaucracy.

Call for Expansion of Academic Opportunities

The Rector of Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Dr. Moses Umoessien, urged TETFund to allow at least one university in each state to run Master’s and PhD programmes specifically for polytechnic lecturers.

This, he explained, would help polytechnic staff meet the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) directive mandating lecturers to obtain higher degrees or risk being converted to non-teaching staff.

He argued that allowing local universities to run such programs on a part-time basis would help lecturers combine their jobs with academic advancement.

The ₦70 billion allocation for mini-grid power projects marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s tertiary education development. By reducing electricity costs and ensuring sustainable energy supply, the initiative is expected to strengthen research, teaching, and learning in beneficiary institutions.