Shelving foreign scholarships: TETFund’s bold move to strengthen local education
30 January 2025 |
6:00 am
The decision of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), to suspend foreign scholarships for academic staff of beneficiary tertiary institutions, has continued to generate significant attention and discussion in the education sector.
The decision of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), to suspend foreign scholarships for academic staff of beneficiary tertiary institutions, has continued to generate significant attention and discussion in the education sector.
The suspension, which took effect from January 1, was made in response to the rising costs associated with foreign training, and the increasing number of scholars failing to return to Nigeria upon completion of their studies abroad.
Recall that in a statement issued by the Director, Public Affairs of the Fund, Abdulmumin Oniyangi, on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, he attributed the suspension to “excessive cost of training in foreign institutions as well as the high rate of abscond of foreign scholars.”
The Fund’s spokesperson however, explained that TETFund scholars, who have already enrolled in foreign institutions would continue to draw down on their scholarships till the end of their programmes.
“It is expected that the suspension will conserve and reduce the pressure on foreign exchange rate, boost investment and local capacity in Nigerian tertiary educational institutions and significantly, increase the number of beneficiaries of the intervention.
“To this end, TETFund, in collaboration with the National Universities Commission (NUC), has intensified efforts in the implementation of the Transnational Education Guidelines recently approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Under the scheme, top ranking institutions from the United Kingdom, United States of America, Malaysia and Brazil, would be encouraged to mount programmes in partnership with Nigerian institutions to offer the same standard and quality of courses that are obtainable in their home institutions”, the statement read.
Oniyangi advised beneficiary institutions to focus on implementing local training programmes, which will ensure that academic staff continue to develop professionally while keeping investments within the country.
Before the suspension, the Executive Secretary, Echono, had raised concerns in 2023 that a significant number of students sponsored by the Fund to study abroad had failed to return to Nigeria after completing their programmes.
Specifically, over 137 students had absconded, sparking worries about the potential brain drain implications for the country. Speaking when he appeared before a House of Representatives’ Adhoc committee, the Echono stressed that the scholars who were sponsored by TETFund for “higher education” abroad refused to return to the country after completing their programmes.
“Some of the scholars that have been sponsored, unpatriotically when they go, they enjoy our scholarship, acquire higher degrees, then refuse to come back. It has become a major crisis.
“The scholarship requires that you will come back. It is required that you have a guarantor and in many cases, the guarantor has suffered undue hardship because when you disappear, we hold the guarantor to pay all the money expended on your behalf but that has also not been effective”, he stated.
Industry watchers have said that the issue is particularly concerning as it suggests that some beneficiaries of the Fund’s scholarships are not fulfilling their obligations to contribute to Nigeria’s development upon completion of their studies abroad.
The TETFund’s scholarship programme was designed to support the education of Nigerian students, with the expectation that they will return to the country and apply their knowledge and skills to drive progress and growth.
Echono’s revelation therefore, highlighted the need for the Fund to review its scholarship programme and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
While some may view the Fund’s decision as a setback, others see it as an opportunity to revamp and strengthen Nigeria’s education system. Industry watchers have hailed the Echono-led Fund for the initiative, saying that it would strengthen local capacity building, reduce dependence on foreign exchange and direct more resources into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
They noted that by prioritising merit-based appointments, academic institutions can ensure that the most qualified and talented individuals are selected for positions, regardless of their personal connections. This can lead to a more competent and effective workforce, which is better equipped to drive positive change in the education sector.
Merit-based appointments can also help to reduce favoritism and bias in the hiring process, increase transparency and accountability in academic institutions, foster a culture of competition and innovation, as individuals are encouraged to excel based on their merits. By this, they will improve the overall quality of education as the most qualified teachers and administrators are selected to lead and instruct.
Furthermore, by reducing the influence of nepotism, the education sector can become more inclusive and equitable, providing opportunities for talented individuals from all backgrounds, to succeed and contribute to the development of the country.
By promoting local training programmes and partnering with international universities to offer high-quality courses, TETFund aims to create a more sustainable and self-reliant higher education system in the country.
Furthermore, the decision it will foster research implementation by redirecting funds towards supporting local research initiatives, enabling researchers to focus on solving Nigeria’s unique challenges.
The shift in focus can also lead to a greater emphasis on research that addresses local priorities, such as healthcare, agriculture and the overall infrastructural development.
By redirecting attention to local scholarships and grants, TETFUND will be able to exert greater control and oversight over its funding initiatives. This strategic decision will enable the Fund to ensure that its resources are being utilized in a more efficient and effective manner, ultimately maximizing the impact of its investments in education.
By concentrating on local scholarships and grants, the Fund is better positioned to monitor and evaluate the performance of its beneficiaries as well as the overall effectiveness of its programs. This increased oversight will allow the Fund to identify areas of improvement and make data-driven decisions to optimize its funding strategies.
Moreover, by prioritising local scholarships and grants, TETFund would be able to foster stronger partnerships with local institutions and stakeholders, promoting a more collaborative and sustainable approach to education development. This in turn, will help to ensure that the Fund’s investments align with the unique needs and priorities of the Nigerian education sector, driving meaningful and lasting impact.
Additionally, the Fund’s strategic shift towards local scholarships and research grants is closely aligned with Nigeria’s national development agenda, providing critical support for the country’s key priorities and goals.
By prioritising local initiatives, pundits said that TETFund is playing a vital role in driving Nigeria’s socio-economic development, promoting self-sufficiency and reducing dependence on foreign aid.
This focus on local scholarships and research grants will enable the intervention agency to address pressing national challenges such as the need for skilled manpower, innovation and entrepreneurship. By investing in local talent and research, TETFund would be helping to cultivate a pool of highly skilled professionals and researchers, who can drive Nigeria’s economic growth, improve living standards and enhance the country’s global competitiveness.
Moreover, TETFund’s emphasis on local scholarships and research grants is in line with the Nigerian government’s effort to promote national self-reliance, reduce brain drain and encourage the return of Nigerian scholars and professionals from abroad. By providing opportunities for local students and researchers to excel, TETFund is helping to stem the tide of brain drain, retain top talent and foster a culture of innovation and excellence in Nigeria’s education sector.
Ultimately, TETFund’s focus on local scholarships and research grants is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future, supporting the country’s national development agenda and contributing to the achievement of its strategic priorities and goals.
Meanwhile, the Fund is celebrating a major milestone – the conferment of the Lifetime Achievement Award on its Chairman, Board of Trustees, Aminu Bello Masari, by ThisDay Newspaper.
According to the Executive Secretary, the prestigious award was a testament to Masari’s outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s democracy, patriotism and national development.
Masari’s impressive track record in public service, including his tenure as Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives between 2003 and 2007, and Governor of Katsina State from 2015 to 2023, has earned him widespread recognition and respect. His commitment to deepening democracy and promoting national development has been unwavering, and the award was a well-deserved acknowledgment of his efforts.
Echono expressed pride in TETFund’s association with its Board Chairman, highlighting that the award not only acknowledged his significant contributions to Nigeria’s development but also served as a catalyst for continued excellence in education and national growth.
“Masari’s achievements are a testament to his commitment to advancing higher education and innovative research in Nigeria, as evident from his remarks at the 2024 TETFund Board of Trustees’ Retreat, where he reiterated the board’s dedication to improving higher education delivery and supporting innovative research”, the Executive Secretary added.
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