The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has inaugurated a seven-man Advisory Committee to drive the establishment and effective utilisation of multipurpose laboratories in tertiary institutions across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arch. Sonny Echono, inaugurated the committee in Abuja on Tuesday.
The committee is chaired by the former Acting Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission, Chris Maiyaki.
Speaking at the event, Echono said the committee is given one month to provide strategic guidance on the design, equipment specification, deployment and sustainable management of the laboratories to ensure maximum impact.
“Today’s event is part of the legacies of the present administration to build in this nation a research culture and the supporting infrastructure that will help to transform our country from one of consumption to one that not only produces, but is able to compete with its peers across the globe,” he said.
He explained that the committee’s task is to review and update the equipment list earlier recommended, taking into account rapid technological changes and the risk of obsolescence.
According to him, the committee’s terms of reference are to review and update the proposed equipment list for the multipurpose laboratories; recommend high-quality and cost-effective equipment for phased procurement where necessary; and assess and advise on the adequacy of the management framework.
Other responsibilities include making additional recommendations to ensure effective operationalisation and long-term sustainability of the laboratories, including industry collaboration and revenue generation.
“We are living in times of rapid obsolescence. The technology field is very disruptive. There is a need for constant review,” he added.
Echono further said the sustainable economic growth depends on innovative, solution-driven research backed by adequate infrastructure, assuring that the laboratories would be equipped with alternative power supply to guarantee round-the-clock research activities.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Maiyaki expressed gratitude for the confidence reposed in the members and pledged their commitment to delivering within the stipulated timeframe.
“We do not take for granted the confidence and the trust that you have bestowed on us to contribute our own quota in the successful execution of this very important national assignment of historic significance,” he said.
He assured that the committee members, drawn from leading figures in research, higher education and governance, had familiarised themselves with the terms of reference and were prepared to meet expectations.
“We note the game-changing opportunities to be provided by these high-tech, modern, centralised academic and research laboratories as they play a critical role in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications,” he added.
