YETFund Intervention Impacts Over 80,000 Yobe Students, N1.5bn Fund Untouched

The Yobe Education Trust Fund (YETFund) has recorded landmark achievements in boosting the state’s education sector, directly and indirectly impacting more than 80,000 students across 23 schools all without dipping into the over N1.5 billion raised during the 2022 education appeal fund.

This was disclosed by the Honorary Special Adviser to the Governor on Policy, Dr. Kole Shettima, during a three-day workshop for members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Kano.

Dr. Shettima explained that the YETFund’s first interventions worth N278.2 million have transformed learning environments in the state, while the main fundraiser savings have grown to over N1.7 billion through treasury bill investments.

The Special Adviser stated that 15,000 students have benefited directly from the initial set of projects, while another 9,000 gained access to new furniture providing adequate sitting spaces.

“In addition, solar-powered water facilities now serve more than 30,000 students, and another 30,000 have been positively impacted through the provision of Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) latrines to improve hygiene and reduce open defecation in schools.”

He stressed that transparency and accountability remain central to the Fund’s operations, as the capital raised during the appeal fund has not been touched. Instead, the yields from strategic investments are being used to provide critical interventions.

“YETFund is managed by men and women of integrity who volunteer their expertise without remuneration, complementing the state government’s efforts in education.

“The donations realized during the appeal fund, amounting to N1,534,129,211, were invested as treasury bills, and the yields from these investments were used to provide numerous interventions in 23 schools, including furniture, boreholes, and Ventilated Improved Pit (VIP) facilities, among others.

“YETFund has delivered these interventions without dipping into the main funds raised, which remain intact for future strategic projects,” he assured.

Beyond infrastructure, Dr. Shettima noted that preparations are underway for a comprehensive teacher training needs assessment to equip educators with the right skills and strengthen institutional decision-making for long-term education reforms in Yobe State.