The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) called on Vice-Chancellors and other university leaders to take an active role in safeguarding the future of Nigeria’s universities rather than relying on external forces.
The union raised concerns over the stagnation of resources, warning that this could hinder the growth and development of the educational sector.
This appeal comes as the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) convened a strategic meeting with stakeholders, including heads of beneficiary institutions, in Abuja on Monday.
During the one-day summit, TETFund Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, highlighted that the strategic engagement was a significant step forward for the Fund, aligning its efforts with those of stakeholders to optimize the performance and quality of tertiary education in Nigeria.
Echono emphasized that with the recent increase in education tax from 2.5% to 3%, TETFund is positioned to enhance its impact by improving infrastructure, academic programs, and student accessibility.
“As leaders of TETFund beneficiary institutions, you play a crucial role in realizing the Fund’s mandate.
Constructive engagement is vital to define a clear direction and operational priorities,” Echono said.
He stressed that TETFund’s primary purpose is to empower Nigeria’s human capital to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals across sectors.
The executive secretary also noted that the increase in the Education Tax from 2.5% to 3%, approved by President Bola Tinubu, reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s educational framework.
He urged stakeholders to explore innovative partnerships between universities and industry leaders to promote mutual benefits for both students and the economy.
In his remarks, ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, stressed the importance of university leaders taking ownership of their future.
He cautioned that proposed tax changes to TETFund could severely impact university funding and urged stakeholders to ensure these bills do not pass.
Osodeke noted that while tax reductions might seem beneficial for industries, they could devastate funding for higher education.
“If we don’t act now, in the next six years, we might not be here.
The future of our universities depends on the decisions being made in the National Assembly,” Osodeke warned.
He also raised concerns about proposed legislation that would increase industry tax to 4% by 2025, with 50% allocated to TETFund, only for it to be reduced back to 3% by 2027.
He further criticized plans to divert TETFund resources to banks for loans rather than direct investment in universities.
Osodeke also pointed out inefficiencies in the use of funds, citing that large amounts of money have been stuck in central banks for years without being utilized for projects.
He urged universities to ensure proper utilization of existing funds before seeking new allocations.
Aminu Bello Masari, Chairman of TETFund’s Board of Trustees, echoed the need to remove politics from the education sector to achieve meaningful development.
He encouraged universities to explore sustainable funding options, moving beyond reliance on government intervention.
“Pioneering efforts like those of ASUU, which led to the creation of TETFund, have been crucial to the success of Nigeria’s higher education institutions.
However, it is time for universities to find ways to fund their own future,” Masari said.
As the debate over TETFund’s future and the sustainability of Nigeria’s universities continues, stakeholders are urged to collaborate in securing the long-term health and prosperity of the nation’s educational system.
