TETfund awards N761.4 million scholarships for postgraduate studies in France

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, has awarded over N761,491 million in scholarships to 12 Nigerian lecturers from public tertiary institutions to undertake a three-year doctoral, Ph.D., studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Computer courses in France.

The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, at a pre-departure briefing held in Abuja, Nigeria said they even commenced the implementation of the agreement between TETFund and Campus France reached in April of 2023.

According to him, the sum of N63,457,600.40 was approved for each scholar for the 3-year duration under TETFund’s Scholarship for Academic Staff Intervention (TSAS) program.

He said approval for the 12 beneficiaries from 8 institutions was a sequel to the call for the presentation of eligible prospective scholars earlier communicated to all TETFund beneficiary’s institutions.

Echono said the awardees would be undertaking studies the following Universities in France: “Universite Paris -Est Creteil (UPEC), France: 3 scholars, University of Strasbourg, Paris, France: 1 scholar; Universite De Lorraine (L.G.IPM), France: 2 scholars; Universite Claude Bernard, Lyon 1, France: 3 scholars; Universite Lyon 2, France: 1 scholar; Cancer Research Center of Lyon, France: 1 scholar and Institut Superieur D’Electronique de Paris: 1 scholar.”

He disclosed that to date the fund has trained nearly 40,000 Nigerian academics in postgraduate studies, locally and internationally, stressing that “the TSAS was aimed at providing financial assistance to lecturers of Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions pursuing postgraduate studies.”

Echono charged the scholars to be good ambassadors of Nigeria and take full advantage of the opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research projects, work with world-renowned researchers, and have access to state-of-the-art research facilities.

“This would help to foster innovation and contribute to the development of the Nigerian research and development sector and further enhance / Improve Nigeria’s Global Citation Index as it were.

“During your studies: all acts of Unionism by TETFund-sponsored scholars are not allowed: all forms of communication/clarification on matters concerning your studies should be done in a civilized/organized manner through the appropriate channel: you do not engage in any action or activities that may likely affect the reputation of Nigerian Government whatsoever.

“You do not serve as an official representative of any government: you do not engage in political activities or in other activities of a public nature likely to affect the reputation of the Nigerian Government adversely: you shall NOT combine the TETFund scholarship with any other sponsorship, scholarship, and/or maintenance support from any other public or private organization during the period of study,” he advised.

The Director of Academic Staff Training and Development at TETFund, Muhammed Garba, said the pre-departure briefing was approved by TETFund management to sensitize scholars on the fund’s guidelines, provisions of the MoU and agreements, and the general conduct of scholars among others.

The Manager of Campus France, Nigeria, Laura Moras in a presentation provided orientation to the scholars on what to do before and after arrival in France, including safety measures, documentation, accommodation, and mode of financial transactions among others.

“You have to possess your passports, your visas; you have to possess your admission letter, your accommodation paper. Don’t forget to bring ID photos and translate your birth certificate; you can do that at the French institute in Abuja or the French Alliance,” she said

One of the beneficiaries Fatima Salami who spoke on behalf of others promised that they would be great ambassadors of the country, obey the guiding rules, and respect the culture and traditions of the host community.

“Above all we will fulfill our obligation to get high-class results not only for Nigeria and France but for the entire world.” She said.