TETFund to Set Up Four Zonal Labs by 2027

The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, announced that four of the six planned multi‑purpose zonal laboratories in Nigeria will be fully equipped and operational before 2027, as part of a strategy to boost research and industrial development.

Echono made the statement in Abuja yesterday while reviewing the report of the Advisory Committee on the Equipping of TETFund Multipurpose Zonal Laboratories. The committee is chaired by former Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Chris Maiyaki.

Inaugurated on 17 February 2026, the committee advises TETFund on the most appropriate scientific and technological equipment for the six regional laboratories spread across Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.

During the presentation, Echono explained that the concept of central multi‑purpose laboratories was conceived more than a decade ago but was postponed when the government at that time prioritized the creation of new universities over regional research centres.

He added that recent global advances in science, technology and public health have underscored the urgent need for modern laboratories that can support Nigeria’s research ecosystem and industrial transformation agenda.

“Our country is in dire need of these facilities as engines of growth to stimulate industrial transformation and research,” Echono said.

“The flagship of these efforts are these multi‑purpose laboratories. They will wipe away our sense of shame and restore our national pride,” he added.

The TETFund chief noted that the projects are being carried out in phases because of funding constraints.

He said Bayero University Kano is among the first institutions approaching completion and will receive equipment before August this year.

He further stated that three additional laboratories are expected to reach advanced completion stages by February next year, bringing the number of operational centres to four before 2027.

Echono explained that TETFund deliberately synchronized equipment procurement and installation with the completion of the laboratory buildings to avoid commissioning empty facilities.

“We thought it wise rather than wait and commission empty buildings, it was good to synchronize the equipment phase so that procurement and installation can commence immediately the structures are ready,” he said.

He also revealed that members of the advisory committee will continue to monitor implementation to ensure all supplied equipment meets approved technical specifications and quality standards, including conducting pre‑shipment inspections where necessary.

Earlier, Maiyaki reported that the committee reviewed policy documents and conducted verification visits to the six host institutions: Bayero University Kano, Yakubu Gowon University, University of Lagos, University of Maiduguri, University of Nigeria and University of Port Harcourt.

He noted that construction progress varied significantly, with Bayero University Kano at about 80 per cent completion, while other sites remain in early stages.