By Emmanuella Oghenetega
The Federal Government has officially launched 72 TETFund-Sponsored Academic Textbooks at the Headquarters of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in Abuja.
In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny S. T. Echono, revealed that the textbooks were authored by Nigerian scholars
He discussed the Higher Education Book Development Intervention Project, highlighting, that since its inception in 2014, the project has resulted in the publication of 202 academic textbooks, with over 400,000 copies distributed across Nigeria.
Noting, that the operational framework has been refined to compensate authors based on both content and page count, while ensuring they receive 20 complimentary copies of each textbook.
Emphasizing the broader significance of the initiative, he said, “This project is designed not just to publish books, but to nurture a culture of research, innovation, and indigenous scholarship that will benefit generations of Nigerian students.”
In his remarks, the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Maruf Olatunji Alausa emphasized the transformative role of locally authored textbooks in bridging the gap caused by dependence on foreign educational materials.
These textbooks, he stated covers key disciplines such as pharmacy, law, engineering, technology, agriculture, environmental studies, economics, management, sciences, tourism, entrepreneurship, vocational studies, research methodology, and education.
“They not only highlight the intellectual capacity of our scholars but also represent a true dedication to academic excellence.” he said.
Alausa assured that all textbooks will be uploaded to accessible digital platforms, enabling students and lecturers nationwide to benefit.
While paying tribute to some of the late authors, the Minister said, “While they may no longer be with us, their knowledge lives on. Knowledge is the most enduring legacy one can leave.”
Commending the authors, Professor Idris Muhammad Bugaje, Executive Secretary of NBTE, urged that textbooks be integrated into digital learning platforms to enhance distance and blended education.
He emphasized, “These resources are vital not just for classrooms but also for modernizing our approach to teaching and learning across Nigeria.”
Representing the NCCE, Dr. Pius Ekwueme highlighted the significance of high-quality teaching materials in colleges of education.
He stated, “Access to well-researched, locally authored textbooks empowers both lecturers and students, ensuring that education remains relevant, practical, and impactful.”
The event also brought together Professor Albert A. Abegunde, Chairman of TETFund’s Technical Advisory Group on Book Development, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, Chairman of TETFund Board of Trustees, leaders of ASUU and COEASU, and former TAG chairman, Professor Emeritus Charles O. Oloyede.
