President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the 2026 disbursement guidelines and release of annual direct intervention funds to 271 beneficiary tertiary institutions across Nigeria through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

Under the approved 2026 intervention cycle, each university is to receive ₦2.525 billion as annual direct intervention funds, while polytechnics will get ₦1.871 billion each and Colleges of Education ₦2.056 billion each.

The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during a strategic stakeholders’ meeting with heads of beneficiary institutions, where allocation letters for the 2026 intervention were formally presented.

Echono explained that the annual direct disbursement accounts for about 90.75 per cent of the total allocation, comprising 50 per cent annual direct disbursements and 43.75 per cent special direct disbursements.

He commended President Tinubu for the timely approval of the 2026 Disbursement Guidelines, describing it as a clear demonstration of the administration’s commitment to repositioning Nigeria’s tertiary education sector in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, all beneficiary universities, irrespective of age, size or enrolment, will each receive ₦2,525,932,228.02, while polytechnics will get ₦1,871,059,920.53 and Colleges of Education ₦2,056,527,973.04 respectively.

He said the funds are aimed at strengthening critical infrastructure, enhancing academic programmes, boosting research and innovation, and driving holistic transformation across tertiary institutions.

Echono further revealed that TETFund has introduced a new intervention line in the 2026 annual direct intervention known as the Nigerian Research and Education Network (NgREN).

The new initiative, he said, is designed to improve access to global academic resources and integrate the Tertiary Education, Research, Applications and Services (TERAS) platform into NgREN from 2026.

He noted that the Fund will continue to upgrade research and development offices, laboratories and workshops, while strengthening student exposure programmes through private-sector partnerships and direct construction initiatives.

Echono added that TETFund remains committed to completing abandoned projects, improving security infrastructure, advancing ICT development, and modernising agricultural facilities in universities to enhance productivity.

He disclosed that several ICT research laboratories are at various stages of development, with four expected to be completed and commissioned this year, while two newly commenced ones are scheduled for completion next year.

The TETFund boss also stressed that future allocations will be guided by institutional performance, enrolment levels and effective utilisation of funds, urging heads of institutions to fully deploy their 2025 allocations.

He warned that institutions with unutilised funds would not receive additional allocations until existing resources are fully utilised.

Echono also highlighted challenges encountered during the 2025 intervention cycle, including delays in project approvals and procurement processes, and advised institutions to commence procurement planning early.

He expressed concern over the slow adoption of the TERAS platform by some institutions, noting that the Fund would pay closer attention to its usage in 2026, while also insisting on improved documentation and compliance with TETFund guidelines.