… Advocates for overseas training in specialized Academic fields
The Vice Chancellor of Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi (FUTIA), Akwa Ibom State, Prof. Leo Daniel has commended Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for her numerous interventions towards the development of Tertiary Education in Nigeria particularly in the areas of infrastructural development, workforce training (both teaching and Non Academics) and research which has contributed immensely to the nation’s academic scholarship.
The University Don made the commendation as part of his remarks at the 2025 TETFund Board of Trustees Town-Hall Meeting for South-South Zone held on Thursday, 25th September, 2025 at Rhocharls Hotel, Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
In his well thought contribution at the Town Hall Meeting, the FUTIA VC advocated and appealed to TETFUND to consider overseas sponsorship Programme for scholars in some innovative and specialized academic fields especially in areas with little or no post graduate degrees programmes in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Prof. Daniel who is a Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics and among the few Professors in the field proposed the Academic Programmes for Overseas Post Graduate studies to include, Aeronautic and Astronautics Engineering, Naval Architecture, cybersecurity among others. He disclosed that the Federal University of Technology Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom State is one of the few Institutions in the country currently offering those specialized Programmes among other Courses at the Undergraduate level harping on the need for TETfund and government at all levels to sponsor scholars in those rare fields for Post Graduate programs overseas.
Prof. Daniel stressed that such training will help the country and the industry to close the man-power gap in the listed specialized fields.
The Vice Chancellor expressed appreciation to the Fund on behalf of the Governing Council, Management, Staff and students of the University to TETFUnd for the various interventions in the Institution. He commended the Federal Government, TETFund Board of Trustees led by His Excellency, Aminu Masari, the South South Board Member, Hon. Aboh Uduyok and the Management of the Fund led by the Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono and his team for their strategic management of the Fund as well as it bold footprints in the tertiary education sector of the country especially among beneficiary institutions.
Earlier in his welcome address, the TETFUND Board Member from South South, Hon. Aboh Uduyok, stated that the gathering is a strategic platform for open dialogue, reflection, and collective action. He added that It is designed to foster meaningful engagement between the Fund, its beneficiary institutions, and other relevant stakeholders across all six geopolitical zones of our country particularly the South South in focus.
“As we gather here today, our purpose is to strengthen accountability, deepen transparency, and build stronger bonds of trust among all stakeholders who share the responsibility of advancing higher education in Nigeria. The decision of the Board of Trustees to initiate these Town Hall Meetings of this nature is in line with the Fund’s standing mandate to ensure inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability in all its interventions. The Board of Trustees recognizes that the Fund cannot thrive in isolation; it must be responsive to the aspirations of Tertiary Institutions and aligned with the development of Tertiary Education of our nation. Thus, this forum provides a rare opportunity for beneficiary institutions and other relevant stakeholders to interact directly with TETFund”, Hon. Uduyok added.
The event was attended by Vice Chancellors, Provosts, Rectors and their TETFund Desk Officers and Academic Staff Union Chairpersons of beneficiary Institutions as well as stakeholders.
Goodwill messages were presented while major TETFUND’s achievement were highlighted and new resolutions reached.
FUTIA Information and Public Relations Directorate
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