The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called for the immediate use of the backlog of unspent funds allocated to tertiary education in Nigeria.
The union expressed concern that the continued stagnation of these funds could hinder the progress and development of the country’s higher education sector.
The call follows the recent strategic meeting between the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and heads of beneficiary institutions, aimed at aligning efforts to improve Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
In his address at the meeting, TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the Fund and its beneficiaries to optimize performance and enhance educational quality. “With the recent increase in education tax from 2.5 percent to three percent, TETFund is poised for even greater impact, improving infrastructure, academic programs, and accessibility for all students,” he stated. Echono reminded the heads of beneficiary institutions of their crucial role in realizing TETFund’s mandate and urged them to work together to establish clear priorities for the agency’s operations.
Echono further highlighted that TETFund’s main objective is to empower the country’s human capital, addressing the pressing need for skilled professionals across various sectors. He reiterated that the Fund was established in response to significant gaps in the tertiary education sector and has committed to improving the quality of Nigeria’s public universities through education tax contributions.
The recent increase in the education tax from 2.5 to three percent in 2023, as approved by President Bola Tinubu, demonstrates the government’s ongoing dedication to strengthening the nation’s educational framework, according to Echono.
He urged stakeholders to foster innovative partnerships and strengthen connections between their institutions and industry leaders, creating a symbiotic relationship that benefits both students and the broader economy.
In response, ASUU President Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke emphasized the need for university teachers to take charge of their own future, rather than relying on others to negotiate on their behalf. Osodeke also raised concerns over proposed changes to TETFund’s tax structure, warning that such adjustments could impact the funding of institutions and urging stakeholders to resist the passage of these bills.
