Zamfara State Governor Dauda Lawal has requested more interventions from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, to complete several abandoned projects in tertiary institutions in the state.
The governor made the request during an official visit to the TETFund headquarters in Abuja.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Idris, said the governor made the request for specific interventions at Zamfara State University and Abdu Gusau Polytechnic.
He explained that the state university located in Talatan Mafara local government area has many abandoned projects initiated by previous administrations.
He said: “The last time I visited TETFund, I mentioned that we are like Oliver Twist, always asking for more. Today, I am here to request additional support for certain Zamfara tertiary institutions.
“I visited Talata Mafara local government two weeks ago and saw the projects carried out by TETFund at the 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 I need your support to resolve this.”
“Zamfara is grappling with various challenges in addition to the ongoing insecurity. When we assumed office last year, employees had not been paid for three months, and our students could not take their WAEC and NECO exams. We also have a number of students on scholarships in Cyprus, India, and Sudan who have been left unattended, among other urgent matters.
“My government had settled the backlog of salaries, paid the outstanding balance for WAEC and NECO, and resolved and settled payments for students on overseas scholarships. We are here to seek your interventions, which will go a long way in our effort to rescue and rebuild Zamfara”, the governor said.
While responding, the executive secretary of the fund, Sonny Echono commended Mr Lawal for his achievements in his first year in officl
“I want to congratulate you on your one year in office, and I want to appreciate and commend you for 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 debt,” Mr Echono said.
