…says the projects were part of TETFund intervention efforts in the Polytechnic
President Mohammadu Buhari on Thursday commissioned six TETFund legacy projects worth N697, 924, 427.23 in the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State.
He said the projects were part of the intervention efforts of Tetiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in the Polytechnic.
The President, represented by Minister of State for Education, Goodluck Opiah urged the institution to take full advantage of the facilities and make good use of them for educational and vocational development of the students.
He listed the projects to include Multipurpose Hall. Under the 2011/2014 (merged) Annual intervention, Construction of ICT Main Building. Under 2011/2014 (merged) Annual intervention, Construction of School of Renewable Energy Building.
Others are Under 2011/2014 (merged) Annual intervention, Construction of Agricultural Technology Engineering Building. Under 2011/2014 (merged) Annual intervention and Construction of Chemical Engineering Laboratory. Under 2016/2019 (merged) Annual intervention.
Describing education as critical element in the socio-economic development of nations, Buhari said the commissioning of the projects would in no small measure further enhance teaching and learning and improvement of academic standards.
He said, “You would agree with me that my administration’s support for intervention activities of TETFund, including recent upward review of Education Tax from 2 to 2.5 percent has in no small measure contributed to the success stories the Fund and its beneficiary institutions have continued to record.
“I wish to reiterate that education forms an integral part of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration’s agenda, hence the Federal Government would continue to provide necessary support towards making our educational institutions globally competitive for economic and technological development of the country.
“It is on record that through the support of the Federal Government, TETFund has performed exceptionally in the provision of physical infrastructure, support for academic staff training and development, book publication, ICT, Research and Development amongst others in public tertiary educational institutions across the country.
He added, “It is important to note the Fund has also sponsored 101 lecturers from this Polytechnic for Ph.D degrees in both foreign and local institutions totaling N487,527,656.10; 60 for Masters Degrees in both foreign and local institutions totaling N293,102,460.00.
“90 staff have also been sponsored to attend Conferences Attendance in both foreign and local totaling-N111,471,159.50.
“Let me therefore, use this opportunity to congratulate the Rector, Engr. Dr. Francisca Nwafulugo, the management staff and students of this great Polytechnic for the developmental strides at the institution.
“I also wish to congratulate and commend the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny S.T. Echono and his team for their efforts in effectively discharging the mandate of the Fund for the continuous development of public tertiary education in Nigeria.
“I am delighted to note that the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State and other public tertiary educational institutions in Anambra State namely: Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Akwa; Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, University, Uli; Anambra Polytechnic, Mgbakwu; Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe; and Federal College of Education(Technical), Umunze have not been exempted from these intervention efforts of TETFund.”
Earlier, Rector of the institution, Engr. Dr. Franscisca Nwafulugo appreciated the President for his unwavering support to the development of the education sector, and particularly in this case, TETFund.
She also commended the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) for the massive support of the institution to the Polytechnic.
“The institution has become almost 100% accreditation compliant, adding that the school has mounted new programs like chemical engineering and viticulture which has been approved by NBTE.
Nwafulugo however raised the alarm over rampaging gully erosion that had posed serious threats to lives and infrastructure in the campus.
She cited that the 1.23km road built in the institution three years ago had already been washed away by the erosion, calling for federal government’s quick intervention.
