TETFund Impacts and Needs Assessment Exercise (2016–2026): FCE, Ilawe-Ekiti Hosts Field Officers

The Federal College of Education, Ilawe-Ekiti, recently received a delegation of Field Officers from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) as part of the ongoing TETFund Impacts and Needs Assessment Exercise (2016–2026) across tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

The visiting team, comprising Mr. Olowolafe PS, Mr. Ekundayo KJ, and Mr. Sunday OG, was warmly received by the Acting Provost and College Librarian, Dr. Abdulmumin Isah, alongside members of the College Management. The Management Team present included the Registrar, Dr. Khadijah Wuraola Garba, and the Bursar, Mrs. Mofoluso Olutayo-David. The Acting Provost welcomed the delegation and formally introduced the management team, expressing appreciation for TETFund’s continued support to the institution.

During the engagement, discussions centered on the institution’s mandate and the extent of TETFund’s impact on the College. In his response, the Acting Provost noted that the College has consistently accessed TETFund interventions, which currently constitute the major source of ongoing infrastructural and academic development projects within the institution.

Addressing questions on challenges, the Acting Provost identified inadequate facilities as a key issue affecting optimal performance. However, he acknowledged that the process of accessing TETFund support has been smooth and beneficial overall.

The assessment team also explored various categories of interventions, including physical infrastructure, ICT development, library enhancement, and special interventions such as zonal and regional projects. While the College has benefitted from annual and special interventions like other institutions, the Acting Provost emphasized the need for increased support, considering the College’s relatively recent establishment.

On student enrollment, the Acting Provost affirmed that TETFund interventions have contributed positively to increased student numbers, although additional infrastructure is required to accommodate further growth. He also highlighted mixed experiences with contractors, noting both satisfactory and unsatisfactory performances in project execution.

In terms of staff development, the College has significantly benefitted from TETFund-sponsored conference attendance and ongoing scholarship opportunities. These interventions, according to the Acting Provost, have contributed to improved teaching quality and academic standards.

The discussion also touched on research development, including Institutional-Based Research (IBR) and National Research Fund (NRF) initiatives. While acknowledging initial challenges, the Acting Provost confirmed that such issues have been resolved. He added that research productivity within the College is improving, with plans underway to publish the institution’s academic journal.

Key developmental needs identified by the College include the construction of a recreational centre and stadium, student hostels, additional lecture halls, an auditorium, improved road networks, provision of vehicles, and enhanced electrification.

As part of its recommendations, the College appealed to TETFund to provide increased support for newly established institutions, particularly in areas of accommodation and infrastructure development, to ensure a more stable and conducive learning environment.

Following the management meeting, the TETFund team proceeded to interact with staff and students to gather broader perspectives. The visit concluded with an inspection of ongoing and completed TETFund-supported projects within the College.

The assessment exercise underscores the objectives of the ongoing TETFund Impacts and Needs Assessment Exercise (2016–2026), reaffirming the Fund’s commitment to ensuring accountability, evaluating impact, and strengthening the development of tertiary education across Nigeria.