Under the planned intervention, universities will receive ₦2.525 billion each, polytechnics ₦1.871 billion each, and colleges of education ₦2.056 billion each. The allocation letters for these funds were distributed to the institutions during the workshop.
Echono explained that the total direct disbursement makes up about 90.75% of the funds, consisting of 50% annual direct disbursements and 43.75% special direct disbursements. A total of 271 institutions will benefit, with all universities receiving the same amount regardless of size or enrollment.
The funds are intended to improve infrastructure, academic programs, research, and innovation in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. Echono highlighted that the intervention will also enhance research quality and integrate the Tertiary Education, Research, Applications and Services (TERAS) platform into NgREN starting in 2026.
He emphasized that 2026 will be a year of growth and innovation, with continued investments in research labs, security infrastructure, and ICT development. Additionally, university farms will be modernized to boost productivity.
Echono urged institutions to fully utilize their 2025 allocations, as future funding will depend on performance and progress. Institutions with unused funds may not receive additional allocations until existing resources are properly deployed. The Fund also aims to ensure timely payments to contractors, with applications processed swiftly and payments made within two weeks of milestone completion.
