The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) has released over N100 billion to selected tertiary institutions across Nigeria to expand training in medical sciences and address the shortage of healthcare professionals in the country. According to Chairman of the TETFUND Governing Board, Aminu Masari, this intervention aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to reverse the brain drain in the health sector. Masari disclosed that three tertiary institutions in each geopolitical zone have each received N4 billion to execute projects and academic expansion targeted at boosting their capacity to admit and train more students in medical fields.
The primary aim of this intervention is to double the number of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, laboratory technicians, and other skilled professionals in the healthcare system, which will undoubtedly enhance healthcare delivery in the country. This move is part of TETFUND’s high-impact intervention for 2025, designed to address the pressing needs in the healthcare sector. Masari emphasized that the Fund has a robust monitoring and evaluation team that ensures monies are spent on specific projects and programs for which they are meant.
The 2025 allocation marks TETFUND’s highest grant yet, N1.6 trillion, generated from the 3% education tax on company profits. Out of this amount, N460 billion was earmarked for various interventions across tertiary institutions in the country. The interventions are based on demand, with institutions writing to TETFUND and projects being selected and approved based on needs and available resources. Additionally, N225 billion was released to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund for the Federal Government’s student loan initiative.
TETFUND has also made provisions to support tertiary institutions in other areas. N70 billion has been earmarked as energy support to tertiary institutions, which will be used to build solar or gas power generation facilities. Furthermore, N25 billion has been allocated to assist some tertiary institutions in providing security on their campuses, including the installation of street lights and other similar projects. These initiatives aim to create a conducive learning environment and ensure the safety of students and staff.
The TETFUND intervention is a significant step towards addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals in Nigeria. By investing in medical education and providing support to tertiary institutions, the government aims to improve healthcare delivery and reduce the brain drain in the health sector. With a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system in place, the effectiveness of these interventions will be ensured, ultimately leading to a better healthcare system for Nigerians.
