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•Ex NUC boss, Maiyaki, heads committee
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) said it has initiated strategic steps to ensure effective utilisation of multipurpose laboratories in tertiary institutions across the country.
TETFund announced that former acting executive secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Chris Maiyaki, is expected to chair the committee that would undertake the task.
Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, at the inauguration of the seven-man Advisory Committee in Abuja, said that sustainable economic growth depends on innovative, solution-driven research backed by adequate infrastructure.
He assured that the laboratories would be adequately equipped with alternative power supply to guarantee round-the-clock research activities. “The committee’s terms of reference also include to review and update the proposed equipment list for the multipurpose laboratories; recommend high-quality and cost-effective equipment for phased procurement where necessary; and assess and advise on the adequacy of the management framework.
“Other responsibilities include making additional recommendations to ensure effective operationalisation and long-term sustainability of the laboratories, including industry collaboration and revenue generation. We are living in times of rapid obsolescence. The technology field is very disruptive. There is a need for constant review,” he added.
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Echono said the committee was given one month to provide strategic guidance on the design, equipment specification, deployment and sustainable management of the laboratories to ensure maximum impact.
Chairman of the committee, Maiyaki, in his response, appreciated the confidence reposed on the members and pledged their commitment to delivering within the stipulated time frame.
He said: “We do not take for granted the confidence and the trust that you have bestowed on us to contribute our own quota in the successful execution of this very important national assignment of historic significance.”
He asked the committee members drawn from leading research, higher education and governance, to familiarise themselves with the terms of reference and prepare to meet expectations.
“We note the game-changing opportunities to be provided by these high-tech, modern, centralised academic and research laboratories as they play a critical role in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications,” he added.
