TETFund Inaugurates 7-Man Advisory Committee To Equip Multipurpose Labs

In a move to strengthen Nigeria’s research ecosystem and reposition tertiary education as a driver of innovation and economic growth, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) has inaugurated a seven-man Advisory Committee to oversee the equipping of central multipurpose laboratories across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

The committee, chaired by former Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Dr Chris Maiyaki, also brings together distinguished academics and professionals with expertise in research, governance and engineering.

Other members include Professor Charles Awu, Professor Malan Buhari-Mikailu, amongst others.

At a formal ceremony in Abuja on Tuesday, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arch Sonny Echono, described the initiative as a long awaited milestone and a cornerstone of the present administration’s legacy in rebuilding Nigeria’s research culture.

“Today’s event is part of the legacies of the present administration to bequeath to this nation a research culture and the supporting infrastructure that will help to transform our country from one of consumption to one that not only produces, but is able to compete with its peers across the globe,” Echono said.

According to him, with presidential and Federal Executive Council approval secured, TETFund commenced the construction of six central multipurpose laboratories, each strategically located in one geopolitical zone.

The executive secretary reported that construction work on the first four laboratories is at advanced stages and is expected to be completed within the year, while the remaining two, approved later, are also progressing steadily.

However, he stressed that physical infrastructure alone would not deliver the transformative impact envisioned.

“We have found it absolutely necessary not to allow any gap. As we are getting them ready, there is a need to select the equipment that will be installed and deployed to these centres.”

He also noted that rapid technological changes and the pace of obsolescence in research tools require constant review, saying the newly inaugurated Advisory Committee is therefore tasked with reviewing and updating the equipment specifications to ensure that the laboratories are not only functional but cutting edge.

“We are living in times of rapid obsolescence. The technology field is very disruptive. There are changes impacting teaching, learning and research in more ways than we can imagine,” he observed.

Their terms of reference include reviewing the existing equipment list, identifying high-quality and cost-effective options, recommending phased procurement where necessary, examining the proposed management framework, and making additional recommendations to ensure sustainability.

Echono further said the facilities would be designed as oases of uninterrupted research activity, complete with alternative power supply to guarantee 24-hour operations.

He lamented the current challenges faced by researchers, including the contamination of samples due to power outages and the costly practice of sending samples abroad for analysis.

“Research must be able to go on at all times. The whole practice of sending certain samples abroad or samples getting contaminated because you were not able to retain them under a particular temperature is not going to happen with these facilities. They are going to be cutting edge, and we will ensure that this is the case.”

Furthermore, he stated that data from TETFund’s interventions, including the National Research Fund and mega research grants, showed that a significant portion of grant allocations was routinely spent on procuring laboratory equipment and consumables.

This trend, according to him highlights systemic deficiencies in shared, functional facilities and places unnecessary financial burdens on individual research projects.

Adding , he said the high number of scholars seeking foreign-based benchmarking and laboratory support during their doctoral programmes further underscores the urgency of reform.

Echono noted that beyond providing state-of-the-art equipment, TETFund envisions the laboratories as centralised hubs that will foster collaboration, reduce duplication, and stimulate industry partnerships.

“Companies should go there, talk to them about problems, ask them for solutions, look for innovation and product development. The idea is that they should be able to service our country, particularly the manufacturing sector and services, so we can have a pool of talent working on various issues of research and coming up with products and services that can be commercialised,” he added.

He also outlined a phased expansion strategy, saying while the current focus is on ensuring that each geopolitical zone has at least one modern research facility, subsequent phases will see the establishment of specialised centres tailored to regional strengths and needs.

Responding on behalf of the committee, Maiyaki expressed profound gratitude for the confidence reposed in them.

He described the assignment as a national responsibility of historic significance and assured TETFund of the committee’s commitment to delivering within the one-month timeframe stipulated.

“We do not take for granted the confidence and the trust that you have bestowed on us to contribute our own quota in the successful execution of this very important national assignment,” he said.

Maiyaki noted that members of the committee represent some of the best hands in cutting-edge research, higher education governance and management.

He disclosed that they had already familiarised themselves with the terms of reference and appreciated the inclusion of a broad provision empowering them to make ancillary recommendations to ensure full operationalisation.

He described the proposed laboratories as game changers that would bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, noting that as zonal hubs for high-level research training, they would offer opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and accelerate Nigeria’s journey towards a knowledge-driven economy.

“We do not take for granted the confidence and the trust that you have bestowed on us to contribute our own quota in the successful execution of this very important national assignment of historic significance.

“I want to note here that members of this committee who you have carefully selected, belong to some of the best hands and the leading figures in cutting-edge research, higher education, governance, and management.

“We have prior to this formal inauguration familiarised ourselves to the terms of reference and the timeframe within which we’re expected to turn in our report and the much-awaited recommendations to finally launch this project and bring it to fruition,” Maiyaki said.