The Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Idah, Dr. Y. B. 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 appeal while welcoming the TETFund Board of Trustees member representing the North Central Zonal Region, who visited the Polytechnic alongside the TETFund Zonal Coordinator and officials of the North Central Zonal Office.
The Rector, who expressed appreciation 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.
He particularly identified perimeter fencing as the most pressing challenge confronting the institution, warning that the porous nature of the campus could expose staff, students and property to security threats.
According to him, the absence of adequate fencing makes the Polytechnic vulnerable to unauthorised access, intrusion and kidnapping, especially in view of prevailing security challenges in 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 landed assets from encroachment.
Usman also appealed for TETFund 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 farm, which he said would provide a sustainable and reliable alternative source of electricity for the Polytechnic.
He explained that improved power supply was essential to supporting academic, administrative and other activities within the institution, adding that a solar farm would help address the Polytechnic’s growing energy needs.
The Rector further appealed for special intervention towards the completion of two abandoned lecture theatre 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 TETFund Board member on his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the appointment as recognition of his experience, capacity and commitment to national development.
He expressed confidence that the appointee’s contribution to the TETFund Board would further strengthen the development of tertiary education in Nigeria.
The Rector said the visit provided an opportunity for the TETFund delegation 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 utilisation of interventions provided to the Polytechnic.
The Rector, on behalf of the Governing Council, Management, staff and students, expressed appreciation to the TETFund delegation for the visit and pledged continued cooperation between the institution and the Fund.