The Tertiary Education Trust Fund has announced plans to disburse a total of N6.452 billion to tertiary institutions across the country under its 2026 intervention cycle.

The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, made the disclosure in Abuja on Tuesday during a stakeholders’ workshop with heads of beneficiary institutions, where the 2026 disbursement guidelines were formally presented.

Echono explained that under the planned 2026 intervention cycle, each university would receive N2.525 billion, while each polytechnic would be allocated N1.871 billion, and each college of education would receive N2.056 billion.

He stated that allocation letters for the 2026 intervention had already been distributed to all beneficiary institutions.

Echono said the total direct disbursement represented about 90.75 per cent of the intervention funds, consisting of 50 per cent annual direct disbursements and 43.75 per cent special direct disbursements.

According to him, under the annual direct disbursement component, a total of 271 beneficiary institutions would receive allocations, with all universities, irrespective of age, size, or student enrolment, receiving ₦2,525,932,228.02 each.

He added that polytechnics would receive ₦1,871,059,920.53 each, while colleges of education would get ₦2,056,527,973.04 each.

Echono explained that the funds were aimed at strengthening critical physical infrastructure, enhancing academic programmes, boosting research and innovation, and driving overall transformation within Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.

He further noted that the intervention was also designed to improve the quality and impact of research outputs in beneficiary institutions.

“This new intervention line aims to improve access to global academic resources and to integrate the Tertiary Education, Research, Applications and Services (TERAS) platform into NgREN with effect from the 2026 intervention.

“With these investments, 2026 promises to be a year of growth, innovation, and measurable impact,” Echono said.

He disclosed that the Fund would continue to equip and upgrade research and development offices, laboratories, and workshops across institutions.

“Student exposure programmes will be strengthened through private-sector partnerships and direct construction initiatives.

“We are sustaining interventions in security infrastructure and training, completing long-abandoned projects, and enhancing design-technical relationships.

“Research and innovation remain priorities, with support for the National Research Fund, the Research Meets Industry initiative, and the commercialisation of research outcomes. ICT development also remains a key focus,” he said.

Echono also revealed that several research laboratories were currently under development, stressing the need for sustained attention in this area.

“Four are expected to be completed and commissioned this year, and two more have recently commenced, with completion scheduled for next year.

“In agriculture, we are transitioning large university farms to modern greenhouses and equipment to improve productivity and reduce labour intensity.

“Our ICT roadmap will be strengthened through expanded digital services, experienced centres, substation-based internet access, and advanced international education research and application services,” Echono added.

He urged heads of tertiary institutions to ensure full utilisation of their 2025 allocations, noting that future disbursements would be determined by performance, enrolment levels, and demonstrated progress.

“Institutions with unutilised funds will not receive additional allocations until existing resources are fully deployed.

“We are promoting knowledge sharing, supporting initiatives that enhance skills, and ensuring prompt payment to contractors.

“Applications for fund releases will be processed quickly, and contractors will be paid within two weeks of milestone completion to avoid delays,” he added.