Gambia to understudy TETFund as country seeks stronger tertiary education financing

The Gambian government intends to send officials from its newly established Tertiary and Higher Education Trust Fund to Nigeria. The purpose is to study the operational model of Nigeria's Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). Professor Pierre Gomez, The Gambia's Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, announced this during a meeting with TETFund's Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, in Abuja.

Minister Gomez stated that the proposed study tour would allow Gambian officials to gain insights from TETFund's experience in financing tertiary education, research, infrastructure, and capacity development. He noted that Gambian authorities have been following TETFund's activities and achievements through various media channels, which prompted the establishment of a similar financing mechanism for their own higher education system. The visit also seeks TETFund's assistance and cooperation as the Gambian fund develops its operations.

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Gambian authorities had followed TETFund’s activities and achievements through its website, social media platforms and other media channels, prompting the country to establish a similar financing mechanism for its higher education system.

Sonny Echono welcomed the delegation and explained TETFund's evolution. Originally established as the Education Trust Fund in 1993, it was transformed into TETFund under a 2011 Act. Echono highlighted that TETFund emerged from a severe funding crisis that plagued Nigeria's tertiary education sector over three decades ago, necessitating a dedicated funding source for public higher institutions. He detailed TETFund's interventions, which focus on critical needs such as infrastructure, instructional materials, equipment, research, publications, and academic staff training.

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Gambian authorities had followed TETFund’s activities and achievements through its website, social media platforms and other media channels, prompting the country to establish a similar financing mechanism for its higher education system.