As part of his ongoing familiarization tour of tertiary institutions in the North-Central geopolitical zone, Engineer Nurudeen Adeyemi, a member of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), has paid an official visit to Joseph Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue State.
The visit aimed to assess the university’s access to TETFund interventions, evaluate the status of distressed and near-completed projects, and identify any barriers affecting the optimal utilization of allocated funds. Engr. Nurudeen emphasized that infrastructure loses its value if not completed and actively used, regardless of the financial investments made.
He commended the university’s management for its resilience and dedication to academic excellence and research, especially amid the peculiar challenges faced by agricultural universities in the region—notably farmer-herder conflicts and encroachment by surrounding communities, which have disrupted research efforts and farmland security.
On project delivery, Engr. Nurudeen expressed optimism about the potential of ongoing projects to enhance the university’s ranking, visibility, and overall impact once completed and fully functional. He urged the institution to strengthen its collaboration with TETFund to facilitate the seamless execution of future interventions.
He also encouraged the university to take advantage of the recently revised approval thresholds for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to expedite procurement processes. According to him, such action will guarantee value for money and shield project budgets from the corrosive effects of inflation.
Speaking further, Engr. Nurudeen reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing the education sector, a vision currently being pursued by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa. He affirmed the Federal Government’s determination to restore lasting peace and stability in the North Central region.
He also revealed that the BOT, management, and staff of TETFund, under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari and the Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, have identified security as a top priority for Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. As such, steps are being taken to support institutions with enhanced protective measures to safeguard students, staff, and critical research infrastructure.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Isaac Nathaniel Itodo, expressed deep appreciation for the visit, describing it as both timely and strategic. He commended Engr. Nurudeen for his hands-on leadership and genuine commitment to the development and stability of the university.
The visit underscores TETFund’s renewed focus on transparency, impact-driven interventions, and strengthened collaboration with beneficiary institutions across the country.