The Nigerian Army College of Environmental Science and Technology (NACEST), Makurdi, and the Federal Polytechnic, Wannune, Benue State, recently played host to Engr. Nurudeen Adeyemi, a member of the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), during a familiarisation tour of TETFund intervention projects in the state.
Engr. Adeyemi’s visit was part of ongoing efforts by the BOT to assess the impact of TETFund’s interventions and ensure alignment with national priorities in tertiary education. The tour included a visit to the permanent site of NACEST, where he inspected key infrastructure, and a supervisory tour of ongoing construction projects at the Federal Polytechnic, Wannune.
During the visits, Engr. Adeyemi encouraged both institutions to intensify their commitment to research, innovation, and technical skills development. He lamented Nigeria’s continued reliance on foreign expertise, citing the recent importation of about 5,000 welders for the Dangote Refinery as an example of the country’s skill gap.
He emphasized the need for homegrown solutions through robust investment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). He also used the opportunity to advocate for enrolment into the Federal Ministry of Education’s TVET programme under the leadership of Hon. Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
Engr. Adeyemi reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to restoring peace and fostering development across the country, especially in the North Central zone. He praised the leadership of TETFund under Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari (Chairman, BOT) and Arc. Sonny Echono (Executive Secretary), noting their dedication to ensuring that institutions are equipped to deliver on their mandates.
In his remarks, the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Wannune, Dr. Tyover Ashinya, commended TETFund’s unwavering support, stating that the institution’s remarkable growth—from just two departments at inception to 22 departments today—is a direct result of TETFund’s strategic interventions.
