The Bauchi State Government, led by Governor Bala Mohammed, has sought support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for its state-owned institutions to enhance the training of technical manpower in crucial sectors like agriculture, oil and gas. During a visit to TETFund in Abuja, Governor Mohammed emphasized the importance of human capital development to address challenges of underdevelopment, poverty, and unemployment.
Governor Mohammed appealed for assistance for the newly-established College of Education, Technical, and urged TETFund to intervene in vocational training for artisans such as craftsmen, bricklayers, and welders. The governor highlighted the need for skilled professionals in agriculture who can contribute to boosting productivity and impart knowledge to the people of Bauchi State.
He also expressed gratitude for TETFund’s past interventions, acknowledging the agency’s role in providing infrastructure for federal and state tertiary institutions in the state. Governor Mohammed urged TETFund to consider the specific challenges faced by Bauchi State, such as environmental issues and the influx of health workers to other countries.
In response, TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, commended the state government’s commitment to investing in education. He pledged TETFund’s support for the newly established college of education and initiatives aimed at training technical manpower. Echono emphasized the importance of the college in addressing the shortage of teachers in technical subjects at the basic level and assured the governor of TETFund’s assistance in various areas, including disaster recovery and completion of critical projects.
The collaboration between the Bauchi State Government and TETFund aims to strengthen educational institutions and enhance the skill set of individuals in key sectors crucial for the state’s development.