The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced plans to release N6.452 billion to tertiary institutions under its 2026 intervention programme.
The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, made this known in Abuja on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ workshop with heads of beneficiary institutions on the guidelines for the 2026 disbursement.
He stated that under the proposed 2026 intervention cycle, each university would receive N2.525 billion, polytechnics would get N1.871 billion, while colleges of education would receive N2.056 billion each.
Allocation letters for the intervention were also presented to the beneficiary institutions at the event.
Echono also added that the total direct disbursement represents about 90.75 percent of the funds, made up of 50 percent annual direct disbursements and 43.75 percent special direct disbursements.
According to him, the annual direct disbursement component would cover 271 beneficiary institutions, with all universities, irrespective of age, size, or enrolment, receiving ₦2,525,932,228.02 each.
He added that polytechnics would receive ₦1,871,059,920.53 each, while colleges of education would get ₦2,056,527,973.04 each.
Echono said the funds were aimed at improving critical physical infrastructure, strengthening academic programmes, advancing research and innovation, and driving broad transformation across Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
He noted that the intervention was also structured to enhance the quality and impact of research carried out by beneficiary institutions.
“This new intervention line aims to improve access to global academic resources and to integrate the Tertiary Education, Research, Applications and Services (TERAS) platform into NgREN with effect from the 2026 intervention.
“With these investments, 2026 promises to be a year of growth, innovation, and measurable impact,” Echono said.
He further stated that the Fund would continue efforts to equip and upgrade research and development offices, laboratories, and workshops.
“Student exposure programmes will be strengthened through private-sector partnerships and direct construction initiatives.
“We are sustaining interventions in security infrastructure and training, completing long-abandoned projects, and enhancing design-technical relationships.
“Research and innovation remain priorities, with support for the National Research Fund, the Research Meets Industry initiative, and the commercialisation of research outcomes. ICT development also remains a key focus,” he said.
Echono also disclosed that several research laboratories were currently under development, stressing the importance of sustained focus on the sector.
“Four are expected to be completed and commissioned this year, and two more have recently commenced, with completion scheduled for next year.
” In agriculture, we are transitioning large university farms to modern greenhouses and equipment to improve productivity and reduce labour intensity.
“Our ICT roadmap will be strengthened through expanded digital services, experienced centres, substation-based internet access, and advanced international education research and application services,” he added.
He urged heads of institutions to ensure full utilisation of their 2025 allocations, noting that future funding would be determined by performance, enrolment levels, and proven progress.
“Institutions with unutilised funds will not receive additional allocations until existing resources are fully deployed.
“We are promoting knowledge sharing, supporting initiatives that enhance skills, and ensuring prompt payment to contractors.
“Applications for fund releases will be processed quickly, and contractors will be paid within two weeks of milestone completion to avoid delays,” he added.
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