ABUJA: The Federal Government has released ₦38.93 billion to 166 public tertiary institutions across Nigeria under the Needs Assessment Revitalisation Fund to address infrastructure deficits and improve teaching and learning facilities.

The intervention covers 79 universities, 46 polytechnics and 41 colleges of education, with universities receiving the largest share of the funding.

The Federal Ministry of Finance disclosed the development in a statement issued on Sunday by its Head of Media, Efe Ovuakporie, explaining that the funds would support approved projects in beneficiary institutions.

According to the ministry, the disbursement is part of the government’s efforts to improve infrastructure and strengthen the quality of education in public tertiary institutions.

A breakdown of the allocation shows that universities will receive ₦28.5 billion, while polytechnics have been allocated ₦5.8 billion and colleges of education will receive ₦4.7 billion.

Universities account for approximately 73.2 per cent of the announced intervention, making them the largest beneficiaries of the funding.

Polytechnics represent about 14.9 per cent, while colleges of education account for approximately 12.1 per cent.

The ministry said the intervention is designed to address longstanding infrastructure challenges in public tertiary institutions and support the implementation of agreements reached between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

It noted that the funding would enable beneficiary institutions to commence new projects or continue previously approved interventions aimed at improving their operational capacity.

The government also emphasised the importance of collaboration among the Federal Ministries of Finance and Education and the beneficiary institutions to ensure effective utilisation of the funds.

According to the ministry, the overall objective is to strengthen institutional capacity, improve learning conditions and enhance the quality of tertiary education in Nigeria.

The latest disbursement comes amid ongoing concerns over inadequate infrastructure and the need for improved facilities in public universities and other higher institutions.