FG threatens funding cut for underperforming tertiary institutions, calls for accountability

The federal government has signaled its intention to cease funding tertiary institutions that fail to meet performance standards, directing its gaze towards centres of excellence and polytechnics across the country.

The Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, emphasised that the government will not tolerate laxity, denouncing a culture of “indolence” and underscoring the need for accountability in the use of public funds.

Mamman said this during the reception of critical reports from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), highlighting concerns over the utilization of funds allocated to various educational institutions.

Addressing the issue, Mamman stressed, “We can’t be giving free money to institutions that are not doing what they are supposed to do.”

The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc Sonny Echono, echoed these sentiments, pointing out instances where funds earmarked for development were left untouched due to underperformance.

“The funds are with us because we have not released until you reach a milestone, but while they have delayed in reaching those milestones, [it] causes [a] concern,” Echono remarked.

TETFund’s strategy to establish centres of excellence was aimed at bolstering select institutions with the necessary resources to elevate research and innovation. However, Echono emphasised that the success of these initiatives hinges on tangible outcomes and performance metrics.

“If you were established five years ago and you are still at your infancy, you have not been able to provide modern laboratories, facilities for scholars to come and learn, we want to know why,” he added.

The reports presented to the minister shed light on various challenges faced by these institutions, with recommendations emphasizing the need for more rigorous oversight and accountability.

The committee on the Assessment/Review of TETFund Centres of Excellence, led by Prof Oyewale Tomori, cited concerns over the misuse of initial grants and urged a reassessment of centres that failed to demonstrate progress within designated timelines.

The Advisory Committee on Operationalisation of TETFund Skills Development Special Intervention proposed a strategic approach to boost polytechnics’ capabilities across different regions, aiming to enhance skills development and technological advancement.