FG allocates N940bn to TETfund, Reaffirms Commitment to Education

The Federal Government has allocated N940.5 billion to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for the 2025 fiscal year, aimed at improving manpower and infrastructure in the education sector. President Bola Tinubu, represented by Rakiya Iliyasu, Director of Tertiary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, made this announcement during the 42nd Founders’ Day and 33rd Convocation of the Federal University of Technology, Minna. He also highlighted the disbursement of over N104 billion in loans to more than 600,000 students through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Faruk Adamu-Kuta described the convocation as historic, stating that the institution has become a leading force in technological education, ranking 8th among Nigerian universities and 2nd among specialised universities. He urged graduates to embrace their new journey with confidence and purpose. Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State, who received an honorary Doctorate Degree in Agriculture, pledged to support educational initiatives and called for stronger collaborations between the university and the state government to boost innovation and research.

The convocation saw the graduation of 5,816 students for the 2023/2024 academic session, including 4,955 undergraduates, 632 Master’s degree holders, 105 postgraduate diploma recipients, and 124 PhD holders. In support of education, Senator Muhammad Sani-Musa and Governor Bago donated N200 million and N100 million, respectively, to the university’s endowment fund. Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a knowledge-driven society, urging universities to align research with societal needs to drive national development.

TETFUND’s Crucial Role in Nigeria’s Education System: Challenges and Pathways for Improvement

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) remains one of the most impactful government interventions in Nigeria’s education sector. With a significant allocation in this year’s budget, TETFUND is expected to continue its role in financing infrastructure, academic research, and staff training in public tertiary institutions. However, its effectiveness has often been hindered by corruption, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and mismanagement. As Nigeria grapples with these challenges, it becomes imperative to assess the fund’s relevance and explore measures to enhance its efficiency and accountability.

The Relevance of TETFUND in Nigeria’s Educational System

TETFUND was established to address the chronic underfunding of tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Its core mandates include:

1. Infrastructure Development: The fund has contributed significantly to the construction of lecture halls, hostels, laboratories, and libraries in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country.
2. Academic Staff Training and Development: TETFUND provides scholarships and sponsorships for lecturers to pursue postgraduate studies both locally and internationally, thus improving the quality of teaching and research.
3. Research Grants: The fund supports research projects that contribute to national development, helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry.
4. Teaching and Learning Materials: TETFUND ensures that public institutions have access to necessary books, equipment, and technological tools required for effective learning.
5. Intervention in Special Cases: The fund also provides emergency intervention in cases where institutions face critical challenges, such as rebuilding schools affected by insurgency or natural disasters.

Challenges and the Impact of Corruption on TETFUND

Despite its importance, TETFUND has not been free from controversy. Corruption and mismanagement remain significant hurdles, manifesting in various ways:

• Misallocation of Funds: Some tertiary institutions fail to utilize allocated funds properly, diverting resources meant for development into private pockets.
• Inflated Contracts: Infrastructure projects funded by TETFUND are sometimes awarded at inflated costs, leading to substandard buildings and facilities.
• Bureaucratic Bottlenecks: The slow disbursement of funds and red tape hinder timely execution of projects.
• Lack of Accountability: Weak monitoring and evaluation mechanisms allow for financial misappropriation without consequences.

Improving TETFUND’s Services Amidst Corruption

For TETFUND to maximize its impact, the following measures must be implemented:

1. Strengthen Transparency and Accountability Mechanisms
   1. Establish an independent oversight body to monitor fund utilization in institutions.
   1. Make financial records of TETFUND-funded projects publicly accessible to promote transparency.
2. Leverage Technology for Monitoring
   1. Implement digital tracking systems to oversee project execution and funds disbursement in real-time.
   1. Develop an open-access database where students, lecturers, and stakeholders can report irregularities.
3. Enhance Stakeholder Engagement
   1. Engage student unions, academic staff unions, and civil society organizations in the monitoring process.
   1. Encourage whistleblowing mechanisms that protect informants who expose corrupt practices.
4. Reform Procurement and Project Implementation Processes
   1. Ensure that contracts for infrastructure projects undergo a competitive and transparent bidding process.
   1. Conduct periodic audits of projects to evaluate their impact and effectiveness.
5. Ensure Decentralized Fund Management
   1. Allow institutions greater autonomy in managing allocated funds while enforcing stringent accountability frameworks.
   1. Penalize institutions that fail to utilize funds effectively.
6. Increase Government Commitment to Education
   1. While TETFUND plays a vital role, it should not replace the government’s core responsibility of adequately funding education.
   1. The federal and state governments must complement TETFUND’s efforts with increased budgetary allocations to education.

Conclusion

TETFUND has made commendable contributions to Nigeria’s tertiary education system, but its potential is often undermined by corruption and inefficiency. To safeguard its effectiveness, a multi-pronged approach involving transparency, technology, accountability, and institutional reforms must be adopted. If properly managed, TETFUND can be a transformative force in revitalizing Nigeria’s education sector, fostering innovation, and preparing students for a competitive global economy.