The Cross River State Government has appealed to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for support in establishing a state-owned University of Education and Entrepreneurship.
Governor Bassey Otu made the request during a meeting in Abuja, highlighting the crucial role of human capital development in addressing Nigeria’s challenges, including poverty and unemployment.
Otu praised TETFund’s ongoing infrastructure improvements in universities, noting, “What you’re doing in terms of infrastructure in our universities is very visible.”
He emphasised the need for a dedicated facility to train craftsmen, bricklayers, welders, and others, stating, “This is going to be the first one in the country.”
The governor acknowledged the disconnect between education and employability, asserting, “We continue to produce thousands of graduates that are not employable.” He outlined a vision for students to acquire at least two skills alongside their education.
In response, TETFund Executive Secretary, Arch Sonny Echono assured Otu of support, stating, “We will offer support to this initiative.” Echono highlighted TETFund’s commitment to ensuring equality among states, emphasising the need for modernised curricula that prepare graduates as global citizens.
“Our task is to ensure that every Nigerian child graduating from our tertiary institutions must have proficiency in ICT and technology skills,” Echono added.
