As controversy continues to rage over the alleged plan by the Federal Government to replace the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) with the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) by 2030 through the Tax Reform Bills currently before the National Assembly, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has called on the Federal Government for clear clarification on the matter.
The student body made this demand on Wednesday in Lagos at its 86th National Senate Sitting and Pre-Convention event held at Lagos State University (LASU), Ojo.
Over 5,000 student leaders from various levels (national, geo-political zones, states, and campuses) across Nigeria attended the event.
Speaking to the Nigerian Tribune at the event, the Senate President of NANS, Babatunde Afeez Akinteye, urged the Federal Government to be transparent about its future plans for TETFUND in the Tax Reform Bills. He emphasized the need to clarify whether the proposed tax reform would negatively affect the agency.
According to Akinteye, adequate funding of education at all levels is essential for genuine national development, and Nigeria should not be an exception.
“The introduction of NELFUND into Nigeria’s education system to provide student loans is a good and welcome initiative, as it will increase access to education for more Nigerians,” he said. “However, the Federal Government must provide clarity on the fate of TETFUND under the proposed tax reform to dispel the controversy surrounding it.
“To us, NELFUND is a beautiful initiative with a clear mandate, just as TETFUND has its distinct mission.
“Every Nigerian recognizes the importance of TETFUND in our educational institutions. Its projects are evident across campuses. Without TETFUND, we cannot imagine what would have become of our campuses.
The agency’s contributions go beyond infrastructural development to include capacity building, research, and innovative activities. For these reasons, TETFUND must not be tampered with but instead properly funded and managed by competent individuals of integrity to ensure even greater performance.”
