KEY POINTS
- The Nigerian Senate will review the inclusion of monotechnics in TETFund.
- Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan, seeks increased funding to enhance research.
- Government plans to upgrade forestry colleges to degree-awarding institutions.
The non-inclusion of monotechnics as recipients of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is a matter that the Nigerian Senate has promised to investigate.
At the Federal College of Forestry’s 85th anniversary celebration in Ibadan, Senator Yunus Akintunde, who represents the Oyo Central Senatorial District, made this revelation.
Senator Akintunde gave attendees his word that the Senate would be consulted on the issues brought up by Ibrahim Lawal, the institution’s provost, including the lack of financing for monotechnics.
Calls for increased funding
The provost of the Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan said that it has become extremely important to source for more funds for the school at the occasion.
He stated that due to inadequate funds, the college has incurred huge losses, which has been trapped in research areas such as non-timber forest products and management of impacts of climate change.
Although the Federal Government has consistently supplied budgetary allocations, the college has not received any TETFund benefits in more than ten years, the provost noted.
In order to promote research and infrastructure development, he encouraged the government to restore TETFund assistance for monotechnics.
Lawal emphasized that significant funding is necessary for cutting-edge research, but he also said the Institute may be crucial in tackling national issues including healthcare advancements and environmental preservation through the use of non-timber forest products.
Government’s role in supporting education and the environment
In order to stop environmental degradation, Bayo Lawal, the deputy governor of Oyo State, urged the federal government to adopt sustainable measures like ongoing tree planting.
In addition, he cautioned against careless deforestation and urged interested parties to highlight the advantages of sustainable forest management.
Balarabe Lawal, the Environment Minister, reiterated the government’s dedication to environmental sustainability. He declared his intention to transform the Federal Colleges of Forestry in Jos and Ibadan into degree-granting establishments.
According to Punch, he claimed that this will strengthen the colleges’ position in environmental education and research.
In order to guarantee the growth of infrastructure and research capacities, the government should give priority to including monotechnics in the TETFund, according to the college’s personnel and students.
