By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Arch. Sonny Echono, the Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) has said the sum of N12,681,599,496.67 has been allocated to the Kwara State University (KWASU) for infrastructure-related interventions from 2010 till date.
Echono made the revelation in Malete, while commissioning three projects at KWASU as part of the events for the 10th and 11th Convocation ceremony.
He said so far, 76.1 percent of the funds have been accessed.
”We are always delighted as a Fund to be associated with developmental efforts
that promote the growth of the university system.
”This is particularly gratifying with the increase in the development of requisite infrastructure that aid learning, teaching,
and research, as are conspicuously evident on the KWASU landscape.
”It is remarkable to note that TETFund’s interventions to the university commenced in 2010 and this privilege has been enjoyed till date.
”From commencement, a total sum of
N12,681,599,496.67 has been allocated for infrastructure-related interventions, cutting across the Annual, Special and Zonal interventions, amongst others.
”So far, about 76.11% of these funds have already been accessed for the provision of requisite facilities in the university,” he said.
The TETfund secretary said he believed that the projects undertaken with these funds have remarkably impacted on the mandate of the university in facilitating teaching, learning, and research.
”I therefore wish to commend the Management of the University for not only following the master plan layout, but also ensuring the engagement of competent professionals for the design of the structures.
”And also monitoring the delivery of the various intervention projects executed from inception, some of which we are assembled here to commission today.
”I salute the Visitor, Kwara Governor, the University Council, the Senate, members of Staff and the various project teams for the support given in ensuring that the projects are successfully delivered.
”The three projects to be commissioned today are those of the Special HighImpact and Annual interventions.
”The funds were allocated between 2015 and 2021, and completions successfully achieved between 2021 and 2023.
”The total costof these projects amount to N1,521,710,506.96, all delivered successfully in line with the TETFund guidelines,” he said.
Arch. Echono said the projects were surely a testament to the resolve, focus and agility of Management of KWASU in partnering with the Federal Government.
”This is in its efforts at making our public tertiary institutions centres of excellence and citadels of research and discovery and a drive towards making the institutions globally competitive.
”I therefore salute the doggedness of the Management and urge you to maintain focus and ensure consistency in realising the mandate of the university,” he said.
The TETfund Secretary however called on other tertiary institutions to be prudent and judicious in the deployment of resources given to them.
He also charged them to engage competent professionals as consultants and also engage competent contractors who will do the work on time and deliver good quality work.
KWASU Acting Vice Chancellor, Prof. Jimoh Shayk-Lukman said the impact of TETFund sponsorship on the institution cannot be overstated.
”The Fund’s unwavering support has been instrumental in the construction of major structures within KWASU.
”From state-of-the-art academic buildings, to offices, and research facilities, TETFund has aided the realization of our vision to provide a conducive learning environment for our students and faculty.
”The buildings sponsored by TETFund enhance the aesthetics of our institution just as they significantly add to the quality of education we offer.
These facilities have created a vibrant atmosphere that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration among our students and faculty members.
They have become focal points that attract attention and admiration from all who visit.
They also serve as a testament to the commitment of TETFund in promoting educational excellence and uplifting the standard of higher education,” he said.
Kwara Governor, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq commend TETFund for the unwavering support in the development of the institution.
AbdulRazaq who was represented by the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Mrs Mary Arinde, said the structurws helped put in place by the Fund had made learning and research work easier in the institution .