By Abdullahi Jalalludeen
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has commissioned a multi-billion-naira International Conference Centre (ICC) at Bayero University Kano (BUK) to enhance academic exchange, research collaboration and revenue generation.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny T. Echono, said the project was in line with President Bola Ahmed’s renewed agenda to reposition Nigerian universities as global centres of excellence.
He described the facility as a hub for scholars, professionals, policymakers and the community to share ideas and generate recommendations that advance society.
“Facilities like this enable our institutions to compete with any in the world, while also creating income-generating opportunities that reduce dependence on government subventions,”
According to him, the project reflects TETFund’s policy shift from constructing small buildings to executing iconic landmark projects that enhance the architectural identity of campuses.
“This edifice will not only serve academic purposes but also host diverse events, from scholarly conferences to community gatherings, thereby making the university more impactful,”
Echono also disclosed that TETFund was constructing a multi-purpose research laboratory at BUK to facilitate high-level experiments locally, eliminating the need to send samples abroad.
He noted that two years ago, TETFund initiated a new intervention line to address the issue of abandoned and distress projects.
Echono assured the leadership of BUK, that TETFund will continue to sustain the partnership we have with you and advised them to ensure proper maintenance of the facilities, by ensuring functional condition.
The Vice-Chancellor of BUK, Prof. Sagir Adamu-Abbas, commended TETFund for funding the project, which had been abandoned for over 15 years.
He noted that the ICC would generate revenue for the university and provide a modern facility for local and international conferences.
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