The Federal Government has released N38.93 billion to 166 public tertiary institutions across Nigeria under the Needs Assessment Revitalisation Fund, with universities receiving the largest share of the intervention.
The disbursement covers 79 universities, 46 polytechnics and 41 colleges of education, with the funds earmarked for approved projects designed to address infrastructure deficits and improve teaching and learning facilities.
The Federal Ministry of Finance disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday by its Head of Media, Efe Ovuakporie.
According to the ministry, universities received N28.5 billion, while polytechnics were allocated N5.8 billion and colleges of education received N4.7 billion.
Universities therefore account for about 73.2 per cent of the total intervention, making them the largest beneficiaries.
Polytechnics account for approximately 14.9 per cent, while colleges of education receive about 12.1 per cent.
The ministry said the intervention was designed to address critical infrastructure and other identified institutional needs while supporting measures agreed between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
“The intervention forms part of the Federal Government’s efforts to address the needs of public universities and support the implementation of agreed measures under the Memorandum of Understanding between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities,” the ministry said.
It added that the funding would enable beneficiary institutions to commence new projects or advance previously approved interventions targeting critical infrastructure and other institutional requirements.
“The funds are expected to enable beneficiary institutions to commence or advance approved projects addressing critical infrastructure and other identified institutional needs, with the overall objective of strengthening the quality of tertiary education in Nigeria,” the ministry stated.
Needs Assessment funding has traditionally been targeted at improving infrastructure and institutional capacity in public tertiary institutions, particularly universities where inadequate facilities have remained a recurring issue in engagements between government and academic unions.
Under the latest disbursement, beneficiary institutions are expected to deploy the funds to projects capable of improving their operational capacity and learning environment.
The Finance Ministry also stressed the importance of coordination among itself, the Federal Ministry of Education and the beneficiary institutions to ensure that the released funds translate into measurable improvements.
It said effective collaboration would be necessary to ensure that approved public funding delivers tangible improvements in educational infrastructure and institutional capacity.
The latest allocation comes as the Federal Government continues efforts to address infrastructure and funding challenges affecting public tertiary education, with the ministry linking the intervention partly to commitments under its agreement with ASUU.
