The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has significantly bolstered the infrastructural capacity of the Cross River State College of Education, Akamkpa, by commissioning three pivotal projects totaling N866.7 million. These projects, strategically implemented under the 2018 Special High Impact Intervention and the merged Years 2021-2023 Annual Intervention, underscore TETFund’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of tertiary education in Nigeria. The newly commissioned structures encompass the School of Education building, the Department of Cultural and Creative Arts, and the Department of Human Kinetics and Physical Education. This investment not only augments the college’s physical learning environment but also signifies TETFund’s dedication to fostering academic excellence and national development.
The commissioning ceremony, presided over by TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, served as a platform to reaffirm the agency’s core objectives. Echono emphasized TETFund’s steadfast commitment to providing consistent financial support to all public tertiary institutions, thereby facilitating their ascent in global rankings. He lauded the Cross River State College of Education for its judicious utilization of intervention funds, highlighting the successful completion of these projects as a testament to the college’s effective management and commitment to progress. This accomplishment stands as a shining example of how strategic partnerships between funding agencies and educational institutions can translate into tangible improvements in the learning environment.
The specifics of the projects reveal a comprehensive approach to enhancing the college’s academic offerings. The School of Education building, constructed at a cost of N345.7 million under the 2018 Special High Impact Intervention, provides a state-of-the-art facility for training future educators. The Department of Cultural and Creative Arts, built with N236.1 million from the merged 2021-2023 Annual Interventions, fosters artistic expression and cultural preservation. Similarly, the Department of Human Kinetics and Physical Education, also constructed under the merged 2021-2023 interventions at a cost of N285 million, promotes physical well-being and athletic development. These investments demonstrate TETFund’s comprehensive vision for educational advancement, encompassing diverse fields of study.
Beyond infrastructural development, TETFund’s commitment extends to content-based interventions aimed at empowering educators and staff. Echono highlighted the agency’s support for training and skill development programs, facilitating access to higher degree qualifications for both teaching and non-teaching staff. This dual approach, encompassing physical infrastructure and human capital development, signifies a holistic strategy to elevate the overall quality of education. By investing in both facilities and the individuals who utilize them, TETFund ensures a sustainable impact on the educational landscape.
The commissioning event also served as a forum for collaborative engagement between government officials and stakeholders in the education sector. Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, represented by the Commissioner of Education, Dr. Stephen Odey, commended TETFund’s contributions to the state’s educational progress. Governor Otu’s administration pledged its commitment to transforming the education sector, emphasizing a partnership with TETFund to reposition tertiary institutions for greater impact. This collaboration underscores the importance of shared responsibility in advancing educational goals, highlighting the synergy between government initiatives and agency interventions.
The positive reception of TETFund’s investments was echoed by various stakeholders. Aboh Uduyok, TETFund’s member representing the South-South zone, emphasized the timeliness and significance of the projects, urging the college community to maintain the newly acquired facilities. Professor Patrick Asuquo, the college’s Provost, expressed gratitude for TETFund’s gesture, acknowledging the transformative potential of these projects. He also lauded Governor Otu’s vision for education, highlighting the “people-first” approach that prioritizes educational advancement as a cornerstone of the administration’s agenda. The collective appreciation from the state government, the college leadership, and community representatives underscores the widespread positive impact of TETFund’s interventions.
