The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has inaugurated a N717.4 Faculty of Social Sciences Lecture Theatre and Office Complex at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK).

The Chairman, TETFund’s Board of Trustees, Aminu Masari, inaugurated the project at the university’s campus in Keffi on Tuesday.

The new facility comprises 22 en-suite offices, four 200-seater lecture theatres, and 12 public conveniences.

 Speaking at the occasion, Mr Masari said the project was executed under the 2020/2021 merged annual intervention which aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

 Mr Masari praised NSUK management for its record of transparency and efficiency in implementing TETFund projects, saying that it was the third time TETFund was visiting the university for inauguration within two to three years.

He noted, “It shows the institution’s resolve to ensure funds are judiciously used with verifiable results. The fused Lecture Theatre and Office complex to be inaugurated shortly is of the years 2020/2021 (Merged) Annual intervention, being hosted under the Faculty of Social Sciences, and completed at a total cost of N717,374,213.75. We are optimistic that this facility will aid teaching and learning in a comfortable environment, having been furnished and adequately equipped for that purpose.’’

 Mr Masari added that TETFund had recorded about 71 per cent completion of infrastructure-based projects across its beneficiary institutions between January and September 2025.

He also disclosed that since NSUK became a TETFund beneficiary in 2003, it had received over N12.7 billion for infrastructure-related interventions.

He stated that about 80 per cent of these funds had been accessed and the evidence of utilisation was visible all over this campus.

 Mr Masari said the new facility was expected to “aid teaching and learning in a comfortable environment, having been furnished and adequately equipped for that purpose.”

Urging the university to ensure proper maintenance of the building, Mr Masari reaffirmed TETFund’s commitment to supporting innovation, ICT advancement, and sustainable power supply in tertiary institutions.

 He also explained that the fund had temporarily stepped down foreign training for lecturers due to high exchange rates and issues of abscondment but was focusing more on impactful local interventions.

 He added, “We are optimistic that these special interventions will yield appreciable dividends soon.’’

Representing the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, the fund’s Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Babatunde Olajide, said the project symbolised the Fund’s determination to strengthen Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

He said, “This event stands as a testament to our shared commitment to advancing tertiary education in Nigeria. We commend the university for its prudent utilisation of funds and timely completion of projects.’’

 He added that TETFund remained aware of challenges caused by inflation and exchange rate volatility, which had affected project delivery timelines but urged universities to prioritise maintenance.

On her part, the Vice-Chancellor of NSUK, Prof. Sa’adatu Liman, described the day as a momentous occasion in the institution’s history.

She acknowledged TETFund’s role in the university’s progress, while commending the transformative impact of TETFund projects in the university.

She stated, “These interventions have improved access to education and enhanced working conditions for our staff. This magnificent structure has been proudly sponsored by TETFund. It will promote teaching, enhance research, and create a truly conducive environment for our students.’’

 The vice-chancellor further stated that NSUK was recently ranked number one university in Nigeria for Quality Education by the 2025 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings under Sustainable Development Goal 4, thanking TETFund for being a worthy partner in this remarkable achievement.

Ms Liman assured TETFund of NSUK’s continued transparency in managing intervention projects, appealing for more additional structures for Faculties, Lecture Theatres and Solar Power.

 Also speaking, Mr Abdullahi Sule, represented by the state Commissioner for Education, Dr John Mamman, commended TETFund for its sustained support to tertiary education.

 He assured that the state would continue to give maximum support to the education sector. 

(NAN)