The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has commenced Phase 2 of its Agricultural Commercial Farms Intervention, inviting eligible polytechnics and colleges of education across the country to apply for support aimed at boosting commercial agriculture, research, and student training in tertiary institutions.
This was announced in a statement on Monday by the management, which explained that the intervention is designed to strengthen agricultural education while improving food production and practical learning outcomes in tertiary institutions nationwide.
“As part of measures aimed at advancing modern agricultural practices through effective teaching, research, and entrepreneurship training, TETFund is promoting the establishment of commercial farms and livestock production in Tertiary Institutions,” the statement said.
The Fund noted that the programme builds on earlier efforts already implemented in the university system. According to the statement, “under the first phase of the programme, ten (10) Universities were selected across the country. The Phase 2 Agricultural Commercial Farms Intervention is for Polytechnics and Colleges of Education that will be selected competitively across the country.”
TETFund outlined clear selection criteria for institutions interested in benefiting from the intervention. The criteria include the following:
a. The institution must be a TETFund Beneficiary Polytechnic or College of Education with a School of Agricultural Technology or a School of Vocational and Technical Studies that has significant student enrolment.
b. The institution must have a large expanse of land of at least fifty (50) hectares for agricultural purposes, with a freehold land title that is not encumbered by any joint venture or private ownership.
c. The institution must already operate a commercial farm and agribusiness with at least one value chain covering crop production, animal production, fisheries, or poultry.
TETFund further explained that funding under the intervention will be strictly controlled. “The funds to be disbursed shall be directed solely at the enterprise for commercial production and sale to the public,” the statement said. It added that proposals must also show plans for training students in modern agricultural techniques and the adoption of technology.
The Fund stated that approved proposals will receive grants in stages. “Upon the approval of the proposal, the funds shall be disbursed as grants in tranches based on pre-determined milestones and verified satisfactory performance,” it said.
Beneficiary institutions that meet the requirements are required to submit an Expression of Interest in two copies. The submission must include:
• Survey plan of land designated for commercial agriculture
• Evidence of existing commercial agricultural venture or enterprise
• List of approved accredited agriculture-related courses and programmes
• Students’ enrolment figures
• Number of specialized academic and technical staff, including Chief Lecturers, Principal Lecturers, Senior Lecturers, Lecturers II–I, Lecturers III, Assistant Lecturers, and Agricultural Engineers or Technologists
• Financial statements relating to the agricultural venture or enterprise
“The Expression of Interest should reach the Office of the Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), No. 6 Zambezi Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, not later than Friday 9th February 2026,” the statement added.
