The Federal Government has announced plans to introduce a bonding framework for students sponsored abroad to ensure they return to Nigeria and contribute to national development after completing their studies.
Mr. Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja while delivering his welcome address at the maiden edition of the TETFund National Town Hall Meeting.
The initiative comes as the government grows increasingly concerned over the persistent “brain drain” challenge, with many Nigerian scholars trained overseas failing to return home.
Recently, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, expressed alarm that about 85 per cent of Nigerian students sent abroad on government scholarships never came back to contribute to national progress.
Mr. Echono described the trend as a major setback to Nigeria’s development, stressing that the move to introduce bonding agreements aims to reverse this loss of intellectual investment.
According to him, the Federal Government is committed to reforming the education system to ensure that resources invested in human capital yield measurable returns for the country.
He explained that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed relevant ministries and agencies to create a structured mechanism that would make it mandatory for government-sponsored scholars abroad to return and work in Nigeria for a stipulated period after their studies.
“The President has instructed that we must put measures in place — not to stop training abroad entirely — but to ensure that those who go are properly bonded and return to contribute their knowledge to national development,” Echono stated.
He emphasised that the framework would identify critical sectors where Nigeria needs global competitiveness, such as science, technology, healthcare, and engineering. Scholars trained in these fields would be expected to deploy their expertise within the country’s institutions and industries.
Echono clarified that the government’s intention is not punitive but protective, describing the bonding system as a responsible way to safeguard Nigeria’s investment in education.
“When we train people, they must come back to put their knowledge to use here and help build our economy,” he said, adding that the TETFUND has continued to sponsor thousands of Nigerians for postgraduate studies, with an emphasis on building capacity in areas of national need.
The TETFund boss also noted that President Tinubu’s ongoing reforms in the education sector are designed to create a more sustainable system that reduces dependency on foreign expertise.
He highlighted the President’s decisive action in approving an increase in the Education Tax from 2.5 per cent to 3 per cent, noting that the decision underscores the administration’s commitment to prioritising human capital development.
Echono further revealed that despite pressures from some quarters to reverse the increment, the President maintained that investment in education is vital for long-term national stability and prosperity.
He said the government’s broader goal is to align academic training with Nigeria’s developmental priorities, ensuring that students sponsored abroad acquire skills relevant to the country’s needs.
“Education remains the foundation of any prosperous nation, and we cannot continue to lose our best talents to other countries while our economy suffers,” Echono added.
The proposed bonding system will require scholars to sign agreements committing them to serve in Nigeria for a specific duration upon completion of their studies. In return, the government would provide them with opportunities for employment or placement in key sectors where their expertise is most needed.
Analysts have described the move as timely, given the alarming rate of skilled migration across sectors including healthcare, engineering, and academia. Experts estimate that Nigeria loses billions of naira annually to talent flight, as many trained professionals relocate abroad for better opportunities.
Echono reaffirmed that the administration’s approach would strike a balance between global exposure and national benefit, ensuring that overseas training contributes meaningfully to domestic growth.
He also urged Nigerians to support the initiative, saying it reflects the government’s renewed effort to strengthen educational integrity, retain skilled professionals, and promote sustainable national development.
