Tetfund Cites Insecurity and Land Encroachment as the Reasons for Fencing Schools

The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Mr. Sonny Echono, clarified that the agency's focus on fencing and other physical infrastructure in tertiary institutions does not indicate a prioritization of such projects over research. Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Echono emphasized that the necessity for enhanced security measures stems from the country's prevalent insecurity challenges. He explained that the fencing initiatives, which also extend to secondary schools, are designed to protect school lands from encroachment, a significant issue affecting educational institutions. 

Echono stressed that the agency's investment in security infrastructure, including fencing, constitutes less than one-third of its overall funding allocated to research in tertiary institutions. He reiterated that TETFund remains committed to the holistic development of tertiary education across Nigeria, with a significant portion of its resources directed towards upgrading existing infrastructure. He highlighted the agency's directive to institutions to prioritize the improvement of current facilities rather than embarking on new construction projects, showcasing their dedication to enhancing the quality of education through both security measures and infrastructure development.