Four of six proposed multipurpose zonal laboratories being developed by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund will be fully equipped and operational before 2027, the agency's executive secretary has disclosed, marking a significant push to strengthen Nigeria's research infrastructure after more than a decade of delays.

TETFund Executive Secretary Sonny Echono disclosed in Abuja while receiving the report of the Advisory Committee on the Equipping of TETFund Multipurpose Zonal Laboratories, chaired by former Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Chris Maiyaki.

Echono revealed that the concept of central multipurpose laboratories had been conceived over a decade ago but was shelved when the government at the time chose to prioritise the establishment of new universities over regional research centres.

"Our country is in dire need of these facilities as engines of growth to stimulate industrial transformation and research," he stated, adding that the laboratories would address longstanding gaps in Nigeria's scientific capacity.

"The flagship of these efforts is these multi purpose laboratories. They will wipe away our sense of shame and restore our national pride," Echono said.

He explained that Bayero University Kano was the most advanced of the six sites, recording 80% completion, and would begin receiving equipment before August 2026. Three other laboratories are expected to reach advanced completion stages by February 2027, bringing the total number of operational centres to four before the year ends.

The six host institutions, as confirmed by Maiyaki, are Bayero University Kano, Yakubu Gowon University, University of Lagos, University of Maiduguri, University of Nigeria, and University of Port Harcourt. The advisory committee was inaugurated on 17 February 2026 to advise TETFund on appropriate scientific and technological equipment for all six sites.

Echono said TETFund deliberately aligned equipment procurement with building completion to prevent the commissioning of empty structures.

"We thought it wise rather than wait and commission empty buildings, it was good to synchronise the equipment phase so that procurement and installation can commence immediately the structures are ready," he explained.

He added that advisory committee members would continue monitoring implementation to ensure supplied equipment met approved technical specifications, including conducting pre shipment inspections where necessary.