The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a passionate appeal to the Federal Government of Nigeria, urging it to reconsider any plans that may lead to the systemic phasing out of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). ASUU’s concerns stem from recent developments and government policies that the union believes could undermine the vital role TETFund plays in the growth and sustainability of higher education in Nigeria.
Established in 1993, TETFund was designed to address the chronic underfunding of tertiary institutions by providing financial support for infrastructure development, research, and academic training. It operates primarily through a 2% education tax levied on the assessable profits of registered companies in Nigeria. These funds are then distributed across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, making it a critical lifeline for institutions struggling to meet the demands of modern education.
ASUU has emphasized that TETFund’s interventions have been instrumental in revitalizing Nigeria’s ailing tertiary education sector. Over the years, the fund has financed the construction of lecture halls, laboratories, libraries, and student hostels, significantly improving the learning environment for both students and staff. Additionally, it has provided research grants and sponsored academic staff for training programs, enhancing the quality of teaching and research output in Nigerian institutions.
However, recent reports suggest that the Federal Government may be considering reforms that could weaken TETFund’s financial base or alter its operational framework. ASUU fears that such moves could lead to the gradual erosion of the fund’s effectiveness, ultimately resulting in its complete phase-out. The union argues that without TETFund, many tertiary institutions would revert to a state of infrastructural decay and academic stagnation, as government subventions alone are insufficient to meet their needs.
The potential phasing out of TETFund is seen by ASUU as part of a broader trend of declining government investment in education. Despite repeated calls for increased funding to meet UNESCO’s recommended benchmark of 26% of the national budget for education, Nigeria continues to allocate a significantly lower percentage. ASUU contends that weakening TETFund would further exacerbate the funding crisis, leaving institutions unable to compete globally or adequately serve the growing population of Nigerian students.
ASUU has also highlighted the social and economic implications of such a move. The union argues that a well-funded tertiary education system is essential for national development, as it produces the skilled workforce needed to drive economic growth and innovation. By contrast, underfunded institutions lead to poorly trained graduates, higher unemployment rates, and a brain drain as talented individuals seek opportunities abroad.
In its appeal, ASUU called on the Federal Government to engage in meaningful dialogue with stakeholders in the education sector to explore alternative solutions that would strengthen, rather than diminish, TETFund’s role. The union proposed increased transparency and accountability in the fund’s operations as a way to address any concerns about mismanagement or inefficiency. Additionally, it advocated for expanding the fund’s scope to cover emerging areas such as digital learning infrastructure and entrepreneurial training, which are crucial for the future of education in Nigeria.
ASUU’s appeal has garnered support from various quarters, including student unions, education advocates, and civil society organizations, all of whom recognize the pivotal role TETFund plays in sustaining Nigeria’s tertiary education system. Many have joined ASUU in urging the government to prioritize education as a strategic investment in the country’s future, rather than a sector to be subjected to budget cuts and policy shifts that could undermine its progress.
As the debate over the future of TETFund continues, the stakes remain high for Nigeria’s education sector. For ASUU and other advocates, the preservation and strengthening of TETFund are not just about maintaining infrastructure and research funding; they are about securing the future of millions of Nigerian students and the nation’s long-term development prospects. The union has vowed to continue its advocacy and, if necessary, take further action to ensure that TETFund remains a robust and effective mechanism for supporting tertiary education in Nigeria.
