In a move to address the growing security challenges in Nigeria’s educational sector, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has urged the federal government to provide special intervention measures aimed at safeguarding the country’s schools and universities.
The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arch. Sonny Echono, made this call during a courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, in Abuja on Thursday. Arch. Echono praised the Nigerian military for its continued support in ensuring the safety of educational institutions, especially during times of conflict and unrest.
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“We are here first and foremost to express our gratitude to the Nigerian military for the sacrifices they have made in protecting our educational institutions, even in the face of militant attacks and kidnappings,” said Echono. “We have seen clear evidence of the military’s efforts to ensure that schools run without major disruption, despite the security challenges we face.”
Echono also emphasized the importance of collaboration between TETFund and the military, particularly in the area of research and development. “Research into security services and supporting that sector is a crucial frontier for national development. We must find new ways and techniques to maintain stability and ensure that our institutions are secure,” he said.
On his part, General Musa commended President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and the mandate given to the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) to enhance local manufacturing of military equipment. He noted that some foreign countries had refused to sell equipment to Nigeria.
General Musa also thanked the TETFund Executive Secretary for the support provided to military institutions through TETFund’s intervention programs. He pledged continued efforts to ensure that Nigeria’s educational institutions remain secure and conducive for learning.
The visit underscores the importance of strengthening the partnership between educational institutions and the military, particularly in light of the security challenges facing Nigeria. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing the safety of schools and ensuring uninterrupted education for the nation’s students.