President Bola Tinubu says his government allocated N940.5 billion to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in the 2025 fiscal year to enhance manpower and infrastructure development in the education sector.

Mr Tinubu stated this on Saturday at the 42nd Founders’ Day and 33rd convocation of the Federal University of Technology, Minna.

Represented by Rakiya Iliyasu, director of tertiary education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Tinubu said the gesture demonstrated his administration’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure and manpower.

He said the federal government had disbursed over N104 billion in loans to more than 600,000 students across tertiary institutions under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

Mr Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to fostering a knowledge-driven society, prioritising education in its policies and funding initiatives.

He urged universities to deepen collaborations with industries, aligning research with societal needs to contribute meaningfully to national development.

The president congratulated the graduates for their resilience and determination and enjoined them to embrace their new chapter with confidence and purpose.

The vice-chancellor, Faruk Adamu-Kuta, described the institution’s 42nd Founders’ Day and 33rd convocation ceremony as historical.

Governor Umaru Bago of Niger expressed gratitude to the university for conferring on him a Doctorate Degree in Agriculture, saying it served as a call to do more in the sector.

He reiterated his commitment to collaborate with individuals to make education accessible to every citizen of the state. He urged the university to continue to take the lead in training and innovative research.

Mr Bago advocated for stronger ties with the state government to ensure the institution’s sustainability through agriculture.

The governor donated N100 million to the endowment fund established by Senator Muhammad Sani-Musa, who also donated N200 million.

(NAN)