By Treasure Abah
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has congratulated Dr Hassan Abdulrahman Ocholi on his appointment as the North Central representative on the Board of Trustees of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
Akume conveyed the congratulatory message on Friday in Abuja when Ocholi paid him a courtesy visit following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Akume Tasks Ocholi on Tertiary Education Development
The SGF expressed confidence in Ocholi’s ability to contribute to the work of the TETFund Board and urged him to deploy his experience towards supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to transform Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
Akume’s charge comes as the Federal Government continues to place emphasis on improving infrastructure, research, academic development and other areas of Nigeria’s higher education system.
The Bureau Journal previously reported on developments involving Prince Abubakar Audu University in Kogi State, highlighting some of the issues confronting Nigerian tertiary institutions and their communities.
Tinubu Appointed Ocholi in July
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved Ocholi’s appointment on July 3, 2026, as the representative of the North Central geopolitical zone on the TETFund Board of Trustees.
His appointment has subsequently been reflected on TETFund’s official Board of Trustees page, where he is listed as the board member representing the North Central zone.
The appointment places Ocholi on a board responsible for providing strategic oversight of TETFund and its interventions in public tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
What TETFund Does
TETFund plays a major role in supporting public tertiary institutions through the administration and disbursement of education tax-based interventions.
Its interventions cover areas including physical infrastructure, institutional materials and equipment, research and publications, academic staff training and other critical needs of beneficiary institutions.
The importance of these interventions is particularly significant as Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions continue to require investment in facilities, technology and human capacity.
For students and young Nigerians seeking opportunities beyond traditional university pathways, The Bureau Journal’s guide to high-income digital skills in 2026 examines some of the skills increasingly relevant to employment and professional development.
Ocholi Joins TETFund Board
As the North Central representative, Ocholi is expected to participate in decisions affecting the implementation of TETFund programmes and interventions within the geopolitical zone and across the wider tertiary education system.
The North Central zone comprises Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory.
The effectiveness of TETFund interventions has implications for students, lecturers, researchers and institutions because funding decisions can influence the availability of academic facilities, research support and staff development programmes.
Appointment Comes Amid Renewed Focus on Skills
The Federal Government’s focus on tertiary education also comes amid growing demand for graduates with practical and technology-driven skills.
Digital skills, cybersecurity, data analysis and web development are among the areas increasingly shaping employment opportunities for young Nigerians.
Improved tertiary education infrastructure, research capacity and skills development could therefore play a role in preparing graduates for a changing labour market.
TETFund and Nigeria’s Development Agenda
Akume’s congratulatory message comes as TETFund implements its 2026 intervention programme, which the Fund says is aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The broader development agenda also intersects with the economic challenges facing Nigerian households, particularly the need to create employment and expand opportunities for young people.
The Bureau Journal has examined some of these economic pressures in its guide on managing personal finances during inflation, which highlights the effect of rising living costs on Nigerian households.
Education remains an important part of the response because stronger institutions can support research, innovation, entrepreneurship and the development of a skilled workforce.
Education, Skills and Nigeria’s Future
The appointment of Ocholi comes at a time when education policy is increasingly linked to economic development and youth employment.
Nigeria’s tertiary institutions are expected to produce graduates capable of contributing to industries ranging from technology and manufacturing to agriculture, healthcare and professional services.
The Bureau Journal’s business planning guide also highlights the importance of practical knowledge and entrepreneurial skills for Nigerians seeking to build businesses and create employment.
At the national level, education and economic policy will remain important issues as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, when voters are expected to assess the policies and records of political parties and candidates.
SGF Congratulates Ocholi
Akume congratulated Ocholi on his appointment and expressed confidence that he would contribute positively to the TETFund Board.
The SGF urged him to use his experience to support initiatives capable of strengthening Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
Ocholi’s appointment places him in a position to contribute to decisions affecting education funding and institutional development in the North Central region and the country at large.
The Bureau Journal will continue to report developments concerning TETFund, tertiary education and policies affecting Nigerian students, academics and institutions.
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