As part of its commitment to digital education, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund says it will establish 72 ICT centres in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country.

The executive secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, disclosed this in Abuja.

Mr Echono said six specialised centres began operations in February, explaining that the additional 72 centres would be inaugurated in 2025.

He said these hubs would provide students with hands-on training in AI, cybersecurity, robotics, and software development.

“As we speak right now, the ones we have, six, are starting immediately. They just started work in February. But every institution is supposed to have these centres. But we have this one, a specialised one. 

“We are doing this on a bigger scale. We have been funding our research intervention. Many of them own CBT centres; we are able to see people go and do exams for JAMB.

“We are introducing initiatives where even students, when they are in school—we call it learn to earn—can even begin to do outsourcing jobs after going through some proper kind of training online and they can get certificates,” said Mr Echono.

According to him, TETFund wants to give them that available alternative right on their campuses.

Mr Echono said the initiative would equip students with practical knowledge in emerging technologies and vocational fields and ensure that they were prepared for the rapidly evolving global job market.

He said TETFund was investing heavily in infrastructure and training programmes for skilled professionals, which was in recognition of the vital role of technical vocational education and training (TVET) in national development.

According to him, these programmes focus on training electricians, welders, fabricators, and solar panel technicians, addressing the country’s demand for competent artisans and technologists.

Prioritising TVET, he said, would bridge the skills gap and empower more Nigerians with the technical expertise needed for industrial and economic growth.

On plans to fund private institutions in its research scheme, Mr Echono urged the public to disregard the notion that private universities do not benefit from its research grant.

According to him, TETFund research opportunities are open to all tertiary institutions nationwide because knowledge is universal.

Additionally, he said due to the suspension of foreign scholarships, scholars at private universities are eligible for research grants.

He said this inclusion ensures that private-sector researchers contribute to the advancement of knowledge and innovation in Nigeria. 

(NAN)