The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is set to introduce a “learn to work” scheme in Nigerian campuses in collaboration with industry partners, providing employment opportunities for students while they study.
The scheme aims to link qualified students with global industries, guaranteeing employment upon graduation.
Speaking in Abuja with NANS delegates, TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, described the scheme as a “big program coming to you on campus.”
He highlighted that students in other countries such as Vietnam, India, Cambodia, and China are already benefitting from similar programs, with 24 million Indian students earning funds while studying.
He said, “Learn to work will provide opportunities for Nigerian students to be able, even in the course of their work, earn a living and to be guaranteed employment immediately they finish their school.
“It’s happening in Africa, it’s happening in Tanzania, Rwanda, its happening in South Africa, it’s happening in Egypt, in Morocco and Algeria.”
Echono emphasized that the scheme will provide Nigerian students with the chance to earn a living while working and be assured of employment immediately after completing their studies.
He explained the plan to administer aptitude tests to select students who meet the criteria for engagement and offer training opportunities in various disciplines tied to the needs of specific industries.
“The program will be extended to all tertiary institutions across Nigeria, not just limited to Abuja and Lagos,” Echono announced discussions with the Ministry of Power to address the issue of power supply in beneficiary institutions.
Regarding the universities’ revenue, Echono explained that universities and polytechnics operate as social sectors rather than revenue-generating sectors.
Echono also reassured students that efforts are being made to address the power supply issue on campuses, in order to facilitate access to educational resources and improve the learning experience.
The National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Lucky Emonefe, expressed support for the government’s commitment to education and the stability it has brought to institutions through negotiations with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
Emonefe stated that NANS would pass on the message to students and refrain from participating in national protests.
