The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has commenced strategic measures aimed at ensuring the optimal use of multipurpose laboratories in higher institutions nationwide.

The Fund disclosed that former Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Chris Maiyaki, will chair a seven-member Advisory Committee tasked with overseeing the initiative.

Speaking at the inauguration of the committee in Abuja, TETFund Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, emphasised that sustainable economic development is anchored on innovative and solution-oriented research supported by robust infrastructure. He assured that the laboratories would be fitted with reliable alternative power sources to enable uninterrupted research activities.

Echono explained that the committee’s mandate includes reviewing and updating the proposed list of equipment for the laboratories, recommending high-quality and cost-efficient tools for phased procurement, and evaluating the adequacy of the existing management framework. The panel is also expected to propose additional measures to ensure the effective operation and long-term sustainability of the facilities, including fostering industry partnerships and exploring revenue-generating opportunities.

He noted that rapid technological changes demand continuous evaluation to prevent obsolescence and maintain global competitiveness.

The committee has been given one month to provide strategic direction on laboratory design, equipment specifications, deployment, and sustainable management to maximise impact.

In his remarks, Maiyaki expressed appreciation for the trust placed in the committee members and assured that they would diligently carry out the assignment within the stipulated timeframe. He described the project as a significant national undertaking and urged members—drawn from research, academia, and governance—to thoroughly acquaint themselves with their terms of reference.

Maiyaki added that the modern, centralised laboratories would play a transformative role in bridging the gap between theoretical instruction and practical application in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.