President Bola Tinubu has restated his administration commitment to improve investment towards enhancing access to quality education in Nigeria.

He said this on Friday during the groundbreaking of a N4 billion Senate Building project at the Federal University, Kashere (FUK), in Gombe State.

Represented by Ali Pate, coordinating minister of health and social welfare, Mr Tinubu described the occasion as a landmark step towards strengthening the educational infrastructure in the country.

Sonny Echono, executive secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), said that about four major infrastructure projects would be inaugurated in the university, as part of the federal government’s effort to develop tertiary institutions in the country.

He said the university would not only provide opportunities for academic excellence but also serve as a catalyst for social and economic development.

The project was designed with about 100 offices; an archive, a council chamber and other facilities.

Mr Echono said the Senate Building project was approved by the president, as part of his strategic investment in tertiary education.

“TETFund remains firmly committed to supporting institutions like the FUK with the necessary resources to grow and thrive.

“In the last two years, we have completed and inaugurated 687 capital projects in various higher institutions across Nigeria,” he said. 

The Vice-Chancellor, Umaru Pate, said the fund had expended over N350 million on the newly completed postgraduate hostel project, while N393 million spent on the 500-capacity lecture theatre project executed under the 2022 capital intervention.

Mr Pate listed other projects to include the construction and furnishing of the College of Medical Sciences Complex at the cost N1.3 billion, funded under the 2023 intervention.

He said the university had named the newly established Medical College after the late Prof. Jibril Aminu, in recognition of his contributions in the medical field and educational development in the country. .

Gov. Inuwa Yahaya commended the gesture, adding that it facilitated rapid infrastructure development in the institution.

“Federal University of Kashere has come a long way in a relatively short time, I commend all those who have played a part in its progress.

”The institution must remain resilient, uphold the principles of excellence, and be prepared to stand the test of time,” he said.

Highlights of the event included the inauguration of the postgraduate students’ hostel, the Medical College complex, a hostel and the 500-capacity lecture theatre. 

(NAN)