The Rector of Taraba State College of Agriculture, Science and Technology (COAST), Jalingo, has appealed for additional assistance to sustain ongoing improvements at the institution, following major support from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

TETFund recently approved projects valued at around ₦1.8 billion to enhance infrastructure, improve staff training, and support overall academic development in the college. The intervention also includes capacity-building programmes for both academic and non-academic staff, with training opportunities available locally and internationally.

Areas Covered by the Intervention

According to the Rector, the funding is directed toward several key development needs, including:

• Upgrading campus infrastructure
• Training staff within Nigeria and abroad
• Strengthening academic and professional development
• Expanding facilities for teaching and learning

He described the support as a major achievement for the institution, noting that implementation has already begun with visible progress.

Staff Development and Institutional Progress

The initiative also provides opportunities for selected staff to pursue postgraduate studies overseas, while others will benefit from local training programmes planned for 2026. These efforts are intended to improve teaching standards and enhance administrative performance.

The Rector further noted that the institution is gradually expanding its academic programmes as part of its growth and development strategy.

Ongoing Challenges and Appeal for Further Assistance

Despite the positive impact of the TETFund intervention, the Rector pointed out several ongoing challenges, such as:

• Erosion affecting parts of the campus
• Inadequate student accommodation
• Shortage of classrooms and learning facilities

He therefore called on government authorities and other stakeholders to provide additional support to complement existing efforts and ensure sustainable progress.

Although TETFund funding has significantly improved development at COAST, the institution still requires further assistance to address remaining challenges. The current intervention represents a major step forward, but continued support will be essential for long-term growth and improvement.