By Bashir Dawodu
The Chairman of Enact Foundation and Member Representing North Central on the Board of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Engr Nurudeen Adeyemi Balogun, has stressed that prioritising education is fundamental for any nation aspiring to attain global development status.
Engr Balogun made this assertion last Tuesday(September 30,2025) while delivering a Distinguished Personality Lecture, titled “TETFund as a Catalyst for Transformative Educational Outcomes: A Paradigm Shift Towards Achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda’s Objectives in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions”. organised by the Department of Political Science, University of Ilorin, at the University Auditorium.
According to him, countries that fail to give adequate attention to education risk gradual decline and eventual extinction.
“Education is the right of every nation that seeks development. Any country that does not prioritise it is dying gradually,” he said.
Engr Balogun commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for making education a priority, noting that Tinubu administration believes that no knowledge should be wasted.
He added that TETFund shares this vision, investing significantly in staff training and student support to foster innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Guest Speaker urged lecturers to “teach with purpose,” by producing critical thinkers who will not only seek jobs but also create opportunities for others.
“We must equip our students with entrepreneurial skills to earn while they learn. Say no to cultism, say no to cybercrime,” he charged.
Highlighting TETFund’s recent interventions, Engr Balogun revealed that the agency allocated ₦4 billion each to 18 universities in the North-Central zone — including the University of Ilorin in order to strengthen medical training through the provision of simulation laboratories and hostels.
He said the initiative was designed to discourage the mass emigration of Nigerian professionals abroad, popularly known as the “Japa syndrome.”
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research, Technology and Innovation), Prof. Mukhtar Etudaiye, praised the guest speaker’s insights, describing TETFund as “the lifeblood upon which higher education in Nigeria rests.”
Also speaking, the Ag. Head of the Department of Political Science, Dr Abdulkareem Edun, lauded TETFund’s impact on infrastructure, research, and academic development.
Dr Edun commended Engr Balogun for his leadership, both at Enact Foundation and within TETFund, noting his dedication to improving access, quality, and equity in education.
Also speaking, a Lecturer at the Department of Political Science, University of Ilorin, Dr A. A. Ishaq, expressed gratitude to all the guests for attending as he urged staff and students to put the lecture’s lessons into practice.
Major highlights of the event were the donation of ₦5 million to the Department of Political Science by Engr Balogun and presentation of gifts to the donour by the Department.
Dignitaries present included the Registrar of the University, Mr Mansur Adeleke Alfanla, senior academic and administrative staff of the University as well as several other people from outside the University, particularly from Igbominaland.
