By Jemimah Wellington, JKNMedia Reporter
THE SUM of N3.8 billion has been allocated to support 1,500 Nigerian scholars studying abroad through its academic training programme by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
This fund is described as a significant financial assistance with the aim to alleviate the challenges faced by these scholars, particularly due to the recent rise in foreign exchange rates.
During an oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Tertiary Education Trust Fund in Abuja, Sonny Echono, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, highlighted the initiative.
Echono detailed that the funds were disbursed to address the financial difficulties experienced by scholars in various countries, ensuring that they can continue their education without interruption.
Echono emphasized the meticulous process used to determine eligibility for the scholarship, ensuring that the funds were distributed to those most in need.
“We have taken care of 1,500 scholars with a total of N3.8 billion expended. We identify a cut-off point for those who will be eligible for the scholarship,” Echono explained.
In addition to addressing immediate financial concerns, Echono noted the broader impact of TETFund’s efforts on Nigeria’s academic landscape.
He remarked on the improvement in attracting foreign grants for cutting-edge research, a field where Nigeria has shown significant progress
Through TETFund’s initiatives, Nigeria has advanced from the 9th to the 7th position in Africa for attracting the highest research grants on the continent, marking a notable achievement in the country’s academic sector.
