Governor Dauda Lawal has formally requested increased interventions from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to address the numerous unfinished buildings and other infrastructural deficits at tertiary institutions in Zamfara State. The governor made this appeal during an official visit to the TETFund headquarters in Abuja, as highlighted in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, on Sunday.
The primary focus of Governor Lawal’s request was directed towards Zamfara State University and Abdu Gusau Polytechnic. He emphasized the dire need for TETFund’s support to revive and complete several projects that had been abandoned by previous administrations. According to the governor, these incomplete projects have severely impacted the functionality and accreditation status of these institutions.
“During my last visit to TETFund, I mentioned that we are like Oliver Twist, always asking for more,” Governor Lawal remarked. “Today, I am here to request additional support for certain Zamfara tertiary institutions. I recently visited Talata Mafara Local Government Area and was disheartened to see the numerous projects initiated by TETFund at Zamfara State University left incomplete by previous governments. These abandoned projects are a significant hindrance to the university’s progress.”
The governor also highlighted critical accreditation issues at Abdu Gusau Polytechnic, which require immediate intervention. “We’re experiencing issues with accreditations at Abdu Gusau Polytechnic, and I need your support to resolve this,” he said. The lack of accreditation for courses can severely limit the opportunities available to students and affect the institution’s reputation and operational capacity.
Governor Lawal’s administration has been tackling a myriad of challenges since coming into office, including ongoing insecurity in the region and severe financial constraints left by previous administrations. “When we assumed office last year, employees had not been paid for three months, and our students could not take their WAEC and NECO exams,” he explained. “We also have a number of students on scholarships in Cyprus, India, and Sudan who have been left unattended, among other urgent matters.”
Despite these daunting challenges, the governor’s administration has made significant strides. “My government has settled the backlog of salaries, paid the outstanding balance for WAEC and NECO, and resolved and settled payments for students on overseas scholarships. We are here to seek your interventions, which will go a long way in our effort to rescue and rebuild Zamfara.”
In response to Governor Lawal’s request, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc Sonny T. Echono, commended the governor for his efforts and achievements in his first year in office. “I want to congratulate you on your one year in office, and I appreciate and commend you for the work you are doing in government offices, institutions, hospitals, and other areas,” Echono said.
Echono assured Governor Lawal that TETFund would carefully review the requests and provide the necessary support. “We will review the request from His Excellency and do everything possible. Your diligence in addressing state issues is commendable and shows a high level of seriousness. I want to personally thank you for settling the WAEC and NECO debt.”
Governor Lawal’s proactive approach and dedicated efforts to improve the educational infrastructure in Zamfara State are pivotal. These efforts not only aim to enhance the learning environment but also to secure the future of thousands of students who depend on these institutions for quality education. The governor’s appeal to TETFund is a testament to his commitment to revitalizing the state’s educational sector and ensuring that the youth of Zamfara have access to the facilities and resources they need to succeed.
As Zamfara continues to face numerous challenges, including security concerns and economic difficulties, the governor’s focus on education highlights a strategic effort to build a more resilient and prosperous future for the state. The support from TETFund will be crucial in realizing these goals and providing the necessary impetus for sustained development and progress in the region.
