The Centre for Public Accountability has passed a vote of confidence in the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, describing the agency as a critical lifeline for Nigeria's public tertiary institutions following months of independent monitoring across the country.

The verdict was passed on Thursday during a virtual press conference, where its Executive Director, Olufemi Lawson, presented findings from an assessment that engaged researchers, policy analysts, education experts, procurement observers and field investigators across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education nationwide.

Lawson disclosed that the assessment covered TETFund's project delivery, transparency, institutional performance and service delivery under the leadership of Executive Secretary Sonny Echono. "Our findings indicate that TETFund has continued to play a strategic and indispensable role in the growth and development of tertiary education in Nigeria," he stated.

According to the organisation's findings, TETFund disbursed N1.8 trillion to public tertiary institutions between 2011 and 2024. Universities received N918 billion of that figure, while polytechnics got N461 billion, and colleges of education received N458 billion within the same period.

Lawson further revealed that more than 152,000 infrastructural projects had been executed through TETFund interventions nationwide, covering lecture theatres, laboratories, libraries, hostels, ICT centres, faculty buildings, entrepreneurship centres, workshops and innovation hubs. "Many institutions that previously suffered severe infrastructural deficits now possess significantly improved learning environments due to these interventions," he added.

The CPA also commended the fund for supporting postgraduate training, academic conferences, manuscript development, journal publication and digital transformation across campuses. The organisation noted expanded interventions in internet connectivity, eLibrary systems and smart classrooms.

However, the group acknowledged existing gaps. "We recognise that concerns regarding procurement processes, project execution timelines, institutional compliance, monitoring gaps and accountability mechanisms require continuous attention and improvement," Lawson noted.

Despite those concerns, CPA endorsed the management and board of TETFund, led by Echono and Board Chairman Aminu Bello Masari, urging beneficiary institutions to ensure prudent utilisation of intervention funds and avoid project abandonment.