Universities, polytechnics and colleges of education to receive uniform allocations as Fund prioritises infrastructure, research and innovation
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced plans to disburse ₦6.452 billion to beneficiary public tertiary institutions across Nigeria under its 2026 intervention cycle.
The disclosure was made on Tuesday in Abuja by the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, during a stakeholders’ workshop with heads of beneficiary institutions focused on the 2026 disbursement guidelines.
Echono said the intervention adopts a uniform allocation structure for universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, as part of efforts to strengthen infrastructure, improve academic programmes and enhance research output in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
Under the 2026 plan, each university will receive ₦2.525 billion, while polytechnics will get ₦1.871 billion and colleges of education ₦2.056 billion respectively.
He explained that the total direct disbursement represents about 90.75 per cent of the approved funds, comprising 50 per cent annual direct disbursements and 43.75 per cent special direct disbursements.
According to Echono, 271 beneficiary institutions will receive funding under the annual direct disbursement component, with all universities, regardless of age, size or student population, receiving ₦2,525,932,228.02 each.
Polytechnics will receive ₦1,871,059,920.53, while colleges of education are allocated ₦2,056,527,973.04 each.
He said the funding is targeted at strengthening critical infrastructure, upgrading academic programmes, boosting research and innovation, and driving overall transformation across the tertiary education sector.
The intervention will also focus on improving the quality, relevance and global visibility of research conducted in Nigerian institutions.
“This new intervention line is designed to expand access to global academic resources and to integrate the Tertiary Education, Research, Applications and Services (TERAS) platform into NgREN beginning from the 2026 cycle,” Echono said.
“With these investments, 2026 is positioned to be a year of growth, innovation and measurable impact for our tertiary institutions,” he added.
Focus on Research, ICT and Skills Development
Providing further insights, the TETFund boss said the agency would continue upgrading research and development facilities, laboratories and workshops, while strengthening student exposure programmes through partnerships with the private sector.
He disclosed that several specialised research laboratories are currently under development nationwide.
“Four laboratories are expected to be completed and commissioned this year, while two additional facilities have commenced construction and are scheduled for completion next year,” Echono said.
In the agricultural sector, he noted that TETFund is transitioning large university farms to modern greenhouse systems and mechanised equipment to improve productivity and reduce labour intensity.
He added that the Fund’s ICT roadmap will be reinforced through expanded digital services, experience centres, substation-based internet access and advanced international education research and application services.
Performance-Based Funding Warning
Echono urged heads of institutions to ensure full utilisation of their 2025 allocations, warning that future disbursements would be tied to performance, enrolment levels and demonstrated project execution.
Institutions with unutilised funds, he said, would not receive additional allocations until existing resources are fully deployed.
He also reaffirmed TETFund’s commitment to knowledge sharing, skills development initiatives and timely payment to contractors executing funded projects.
Background
In January 2024, TETFund approved over ₦643 billion for its intervention cycle, with universities receiving about ₦1.9 billion, polytechnics ₦1.16 billion, and colleges of education roughly ₦1.4 billion each.
For the 2025 intervention cycle, allocations were increased to about ₦700 billion, with universities set to receive approximately ₦2.8 billion, polytechnics ₦1.9 billion, and colleges of education ₦2.1 billion, with more than 91 per cent of the funds reserved for direct disbursements.
The 2025 cycle also placed stronger emphasis on infrastructure upgrades, research and innovation, and the rehabilitation of deteriorating facilities.
