Deprecated: Function WP_Dependencies->add_data() was called with an argument that is deprecated since version 6.9.0! IE conditional comments are ignored by all supported browsers. in /home/corerepo/public_html/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6260 Information Minister Says Nigeria’s TeTfund Investment Will Unlock North Central’s Economic Potential - Core Reporters
Information Minister Says Nigeria’s TeTfund Investment Will Unlock North Central’s Economic Potential
By Sarah Kitka
Abuja (Core Reporters) The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said the Federal Government’s investment in tertiary education through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) will help unlock the North Central region’s agricultural, mineral, energy and economic potential.
Idris stated this on Thursday in Lokoja, Kogi State, at the 2026 TETFund North Central Zonal Town Hall Meeting.
He said universities, polytechnics and colleges of education must align their programmes, research and skills development with the region’s needs in agriculture, mining, manufacturing, technology and other sectors.
The Minister said the 2026 TETFund intervention provides approximately ₦2.53 billion for each public university, ₦1.87 billion for each polytechnic and ₦2.06 billion for each college of education, describing the funds as investments in better learning facilities, research and student development.
He also called for stronger partnerships between tertiary institutions and industry, with greater emphasis on innovation, entrepreneurship, digital skills and job creation. He highlighted the role of NELFUND and technical and vocational education in expanding opportunities for young Nigerians.
“Education is therefore not only an economic investment; it is an investment in national security and social stability,” he said.
Idris urged TETFund to ensure transparency, monitoring and accountability in the use of intervention funds and called on stakeholders to translate the town hall recommendations into measurable action.
The Executive Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, said tertiary institutions must become centres of research and practical solutions, particularly in agriculture, mining, healthcare, manufacturing, artificial intelligence, renewable energy and security.
He said research should move beyond theory to solutions capable of improving livelihoods, creating jobs and driving sustainable development.
In attendance were the SGF, represented by Prof. Babatunde Bernard; former Kogi State Governor, Capt. Idris Wada; Chairman, TETFund Board of Trustees, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari; and other dignitaries.
