The Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Mr. Sunday Echono, has emphasised the urgent need for increased investment and collaboration to support Nigeria’s higher education institutions amid escalating energy costs and infrastructure challenges.

He disclosed this in his paper presentation, titled, ‘Refocusing Support for Nigeria’s Tertiary Institutions Towards a Sustainable Future’ at the Education Writers Association (EWAN) conference in Lagos.

Echono stated that a focus on sustainable energy solutions is vital, noting that institutions require substantial energy to operate efficiently.

“We need to direct our efforts towards addressing energy losses and enhancing the energy efficiency of our campuses. Institutions are now bearing a threefold increase in electricity expenses, a shift that burdens already stretched budgets,” he said.

Acknowledging the toll on academic operations, Echono stressed that institutions should not only receive donations but must also see meaningful investments that empower self-sufficiency.

“We have initiated projects aimed at renewable energy adoption to reduce dependency on the national grid, reduce costs, and promote environmental sustainability. By investing in green energy, innovative research, and capacity-building, we can support the educational sector in providing both immediate solutions and sustainable growth,” he explained.

He lamented that some universities have struggled to meet these demands, facing temporary power disconnections that impact students’ ability to study and complete examinations, adding that solar power installations and other green energy solutions would help campuses become less reliant on fossil fuels and the national grid.

On his part, the President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, represented by Dr. Dele Ashiru, stressed the need for TETFund to prioritise the completion of abandoned projects across institutions.

Osodeke said: “There have been numerous abandoned projects in institutions. TETFund should ensure that all projects are completed within set timelines and adhere to engineering standards, particularly with energy-efficient designs to support capacity building.”

He further suggested that TETFund should consider establishing manufacturing hubs within educational institutions, as these would contribute to economic development and prevent the system from stagnating.

Also, the President of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Dr. Smart Olugbeko, said: “The government has neglected its responsibilities in Nigerian institutions, and the schools often lack the capacity to maintain the resources provided.”

Olugbeko called for more comprehensive support and the need for sustainable funding and infrastructure to meet the demands of modern education.