The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called for the utilisation of the backlog of unspent funds allocated to tertiary education in the country.
ASUU observed that the continued stagnation of needed resources could impede the growth and development of tertiary institutions in the country. This followed the Tertiary Education Trust Fund’s (TETFund) strategic interaction with heads of beneficiary institutions.
Addressing stakeholders at the meeting, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, explained that the strategic engagement was aimed at aligning efforts with stakeholders to optimise performance and enhance the quality of Nigeria’s tertiary education.
“With the recent increase in education tax from 2.5 per cent to three percent, TETFund is poised for even greater impact, improving infrastructure, academic programmes, and accessibility for all students.”
As heads of TETFund beneficiary institutions, Echono reminded them of their roles in actualising the mandate of the Fund, saying it is crucial that they engage constructively to set a clear course for the agency’s direction and operational priorities.
Echono reminded that TETFund’s purpose is to empower the country’s human capital, addressing the urgent need for capable, skilled professionals across all sectors.
He further noted that that the organisation was established in response to the deficits in the tertiary education sub-sector, with a commitment to enhance the quality of Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions through education tax contributions.
According to him, the increase in education tax from 2.5 to three percent in 2023 by President Bola Tinubu reinforced the government’s dedication to strengthen the country’s educational framework.
He urged all stakeholders to actively engage in building partnerships and enjoined them to explore innovative ways to connect their institutions with industry leaders, fostering a symbiotic relationship that benefits both their students and the economy.
On his part, ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, said university teachers must fight for themselves and not rely on others to negotiate their future. He noted that the proposed tax changes to TETFund could affect the institutions’ funding, emphasising the need to ensure that the bills are not passed.
