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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has said it would, between now and October, commission about 467 projects across tertiary institutions nationwide.
Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, disclosed this at the flag-off of the construction of the Abuja Leadership Centre of Excellence in Public Governance at the University of Abuja (UniAbuja).
He said the projects would showcase the impact of Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda on the transformation of Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape, inviting members of the media to participate in the nationwide commissioning exercises.
He said: “In a few days, we will be commissioning projects in several universities across the country. We have put together a very elaborate programme, and I am inviting the media to join us across the country. Between now and October, we have about 467 projects to commission across Nigerian tertiary institutions.”
Regarding the Abuja Leadership Centre of Excellence in Public Governance, Echono explained that the Centre was envisioned as more than just a conference hall or auditorium, but a world-class leadership facility where visiting Heads of State and their delegations would feel at home, comparable to similar facilities anywhere in the world.
Echono commended the leadership of the University of Abuja for the stability and direction it has brought to the institution, pledging continued collaboration to realise the vision of the university’s founding fathers.
He said the university, by its name and mandate, must continue to project national unity, integration and excellence, particularly in leadership and governance. “Leadership remains one of the most critical elements of national development. Nations rise or fall based on the quality of leadership they produce.
“Effective leadership requires the collective harnessing of intellectual, human and material resources. When these efforts are efficiently coordinated, they can drive national development aspirations.
“It is my prayer and hope that this centre will become a stopping point for every leader visiting our country. It is not by accident that it is located in the nation’s capital,” he said.
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He expressed optimism that the Abuja Leadership Centre would evolve into a world-class facility capable of producing leaders to serve all sectors of the economy, while also hosting globally renowned speeches, conventions and declarations.
The TETFund Executive Secretary charged the contractors handling the project to rise to the challenge, stressing that the expectation was for a facility of international standard, assuring that TETFund would make funds available not only for the construction but also for the provision of top-quality furniture and equipment.
Earlier in his remarks, the UniAbuja Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Hakeem Babatunde Fawehinmi, noted that the groundbreaking ceremony marked a new chapter in the university’s partnership with TETFund.
Prof. Fawehinmi said the Abuja Leadership Centre would serve as a centre of excellence for public governance and leadership, positioned as a national hub for training future leaders who would play key roles in policy formulation and national development.
He praised Echono’s leadership of TETFund, noting that under his stewardship, the agency has transformed tertiary education not only through physical infrastructure, but also in staff development, libraries and other critical facilities.
He expressed confidence that TETFund would ensure the timely completion and proper furnishing of the Abuja Leadership Centre so it could be effectively utilised to achieve its objectives.
Prof. Fawehinmi assured that the university would put the facility to its best use and described the project as a historic intervention that would be remembered for years to come.
“Today, we further cement our long-standing relationship, and we are happy to say that this Abuja Leadership Centre is a centre of excellence for public governance and leadership.
“It is a national hub for training future leaders who will stand their ground and be involved in policy decisions for the development of their country. We know that we have a long-standing relationship and we hope to nurture it well into the future.”
