The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has granted scholarships to 12 Nigerian lecturers from its beneficiary institutions to pursue doctoral studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines in France.
The scholarships are awarded under the TETFund Scholarship for Academic Staff Intervention (TSAS) programme.
Arc Sonny Echono, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, announced the scholarship during a pre-departure briefing for the scholars in Abuja on Monday.
He revealed that the Fund allocated over N63 million to sponsor each scholar for the three-year duration of the program, amounting to a total of over N761 million for the 12 selected scholars.
The scholars, approved by TETFund management from eight beneficiary institutions, represent Cohort 1 and were selected based on the eligibility criteria outlined in the call for prospective scholars. Echono emphasised that the number was limited due to the admission deadline constraints.
The TSAS initiative aims to provide financial assistance to lecturers from Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions pursuing postgraduate studies. Echono highlighted TETFund’s track record of training nearly 40,000 Nigerian academics in postgraduate studies, both locally and internationally.
The Executive Secretary urged the scholars to be exemplary ambassadors of Nigeria, take full advantage of the educational opportunities, engage in cutting-edge research projects, collaborate with renowned researchers, and leverage state-of-the-art research facilities.
He emphasised the scholars’ role in fostering innovation and contributing to the development of Nigeria’s research and development sector, enhancing the country’s Global Citation Index.
Echono cautioned the scholars against absconding, noting that measures were in place to ensure their return. He also warned them against involvement in unionism or political affiliations in their host country, urging them to focus on their studies.
The Director of Academic Staff Training and Development at TETFund, Muhammed Garba, conducted a pre-departure briefing to familiarize the scholars with TETFund’s guidelines, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) provisions, and general conduct expectations.
Laura Moras, the Manager of Campus France, Nigeria, expressed satisfaction with the swift implementation of the agreement, providing orientation to the scholars on registration procedures, opening bank accounts, and other essential activities to facilitate their stay in France. Scholars were advised to learn the French language, integrate with the local community, adhere to punctuality, utilize libraries and public transport, and explore part-time job opportunities during their academic pursuit.
