The Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, has made a fervent appeal to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for increased assistance to complete numerous unfinished projects at the state’s higher education institutions.
In a statement from his spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, it was revealed that Governor Lawal highlighted the critical need for TETFund’s intervention during his official visit to their headquarters in Abuja.
Governor Lawal specifically requested additional support for Zamfara State University and Abdu Gusau Polytechnic, noting that many projects initiated by previous administrations have been left abandoned. He underscored the urgency of these interventions to resolve accreditation issues plaguing Abdu Gusau Polytechnic.
“During my previous visit to TETFund, I mentioned that we are like Oliver Twist, always asking for more,” Lawal remarked. “Today, I am here again to seek additional support for some of Zamfara’s tertiary institutions.”
Lawal recounted his recent visit to Talata Mafara Local Government Area, where he inspected TETFund projects at Zamfara State University. “Unfortunately, there are numerous abandoned projects from the previous governments in the state. We’re experiencing issues with accreditations at Abdu Gusau Polytechnic, and we need your support to resolve this.”
The governor also touched on broader challenges facing Zamfara, such as insecurity and unpaid salaries inherited from the previous administration. “When we assumed office last year, employees had not been paid for three months, and our students could not take their WAEC and NECO examinations. We also have students on scholarships in Cyprus, India, and Sudan who were abandoned,” he added. Lawal noted that his administration has since addressed these outstanding obligations.
“We are here to seek your interventions, which will go a long way in our efforts to rescue and rebuild Zamfara,” he concluded.
In response, TETFund Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, praised Governor Lawal for his accomplishments in his first year in office. “I want to congratulate you on your one year in office and appreciate the work you are doing in government offices, institutions, hospitals, and other areas. We will review the request from His Excellency and do everything possible. Your diligence in addressing state issues is commendable and shows a high level of seriousness. I want to personally thank you for settling the WAEC and NECO debts,” Echono stated.
