In line with the convention of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to engage critical stakeholders in formulation of policies and intervention guidelines, the Fund recently met with heads of Beneficiary Institutions and other stakeholders in Abuja to deliberate on the 2025 Intervention Guidelines.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc Sonny Echono stated that the engagement was aimed at establishing harmonious working relationship with relevant stakeholders, fostering an environment where efforts could be aligned to reposition the Fund for optimal performance in fulfilling its purpose of empowering the nation’s human capital and addressing the urgent need for capable, and skilled professionals across all sectors.
He disclosed that the Fund had recorded a significant increase in Education Tax (EDT) in 2024 which he attributed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval of the EDT increase from 2.5 to 3 percent in 2023. He said: “this represents a significant stride for TETFund. We now enter the 2025 budget cycle with a stronger foundation, one that allows us to enhance our impact across the country’s tertiary institutions”.
Speaking on the successes recorded in the year 2024, the Executive Secretary stated that the Fund had made deliberate efforts to deepen the ICT roadmap using the TERAS platform designed to assist staff and students have access to educational materials, creation of the Career Service Centre intervention which is aimed at providing information for students on opportunities and trends in the job market, requisite skills as well as linkages with the employment industries including the alumni of the institutions amongst other intervention success stories.
He reiterated the Fund’s commitment to Research and Development, as well as innovations for increased productivity and wealth creation in the nation.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Nasir Gwarzo who was represented by the Director of Special Duties at the Ministry, Malam Zubairu Abdullahi described the meeting as a crucial form of dialogue, reflection and partnership that seeks stakeholders’ collective support to strengthen Nigerian tertiary institutions and ensure that it meets the important demands of the nation’.
He noted that the role of TETFund over the years has facilitated improved infrastructure, enhance research capabilities and expanded opportunities across Nigerian tertiary educational institutions.
He, therefore, urged the institutions to ensure that the impact of the investments is maximized for the growth and sustainability of quality education in Nigeria.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman Board of Trustees of TETFund, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari emphasized the need for total disconnection of politics from the education calendar if the nation must develop, advising state governments against establishing institutions without proper funding.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the rate some Beneficiary Institutions and stakeholders saw TETFund not only as an intervention agency, but as one that should shoulder all the responsibilities of education in Nigeria. He, therefore, charged institutions to come up with proposals at various levels on how education could be funded sustainably
In his goodwill message, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Yayale Ahmed who presently serves as Chairman of the Committee of Pro- Chancellors stated that education is a special item in any constitution the world over and that its funding is the responsibility of all the tiers of government.
He called on the National Assembly to make education in Nigeria a priority, saying that it must not only be budgeted for, but released on time and ensure effective use. He also urged the Fund to remain transparent in its dealings.
Others who spoke at the meeting included former Acting Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Mr. Chris Maiyaki, President Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASSU), Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, his counterpart from the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP), Comrade Kpanja Shamma among others.
