Federal Polytechnic Idah Chancellor Dr YB Usman has appealed to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for urgent intervention in critical infrastructure and security needs of the institution.
Usman made the call while welcoming the member of the TETFund Board of Directors representing the North Central Zonal Region, who visited the Polytechnic along with the TETFund Zonal Coordinator and officials of the North Central Zonal Office.
The Rector, who expressed his gratitude for TETFund’s sustained support to the institution over the years, said the Fund’s interventions had contributed significantly to the physical, academic and institutional development of the Polytechnic.
In particular, it identified perimeter fencing as the most pressing challenge facing the institution, warning that the porous nature of the campus could expose staff, students and property to security threats.
According to him, the lack of adequate fencing makes the Polytechnic vulnerable to unauthorized access, intrusions and kidnappings, especially in view of the security problems that exist in the surrounding areas.
He therefore called for a comprehensive perimeter fencing project to secure the institution, regulate access, protect lives and property and safeguard the Polytechnic’s extensive land assets against encroachment.
Usman also called for TETFund’s intervention in the construction and rehabilitation of internal roads, noting that inadequate road infrastructure had made access to some academic and administrative facilities difficult.
Another area highlighted by the Rector was the establishment of a solar park, which he said would provide a sustainable and reliable alternative source of electricity for the Polytechnic.
He explained that improving power supply was essential to support academic, administrative and other activities within the institution, adding that a solar park would help address the Polytechnic’s growing energy needs.
The chancellor further called for special intervention for the completion of two abandoned lecture hall projects, saying their completion would help alleviate the shortage of lecture spaces and improve the learning environment for the growing student population.
Usman congratulated the visiting member of the TETFund Board of Directors on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the appointment as a recognition of his experience, capability and commitment to national development.
He expressed confidence that the contribution of the appointee to the TETFund Board would further strengthen the development of tertiary education in Nigeria.
The Rector said the visit provided the TETFund delegation with the opportunity to assess the progress of the Polytechnic, inspect ongoing projects and gain first-hand knowledge of areas requiring urgent attention.
He assured TETFund of the institution’s continued commitment to the judicious utilization of the interventions made to the Polytechnic.
The Rector, on behalf of the Governing Council, Management, staff and students, expressed his gratitude to the TETFund delegation for the visit and promised continued cooperation between the institution and the Fund.
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