ASUU urges judicious utilisation of TETFund grants

National President, Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, has called for the judicious use of Tertiary Education Fund (TETFund) resources to foster development.

Osodeke, who stated this at the inauguration of TETFund’s board of trustees, lamented that the funds are not currently being used effectively, as many projects on campuses from as far back as 2014 and 2015 have remained incomplete.

He noted that TETFund is the only agency sustaining tertiary education in Nigeria, adding that the country’s educational system is in a dire state and requires total transformation.

He said: “My prayer is that this board will contribute to the transformation of our educational system. When we were at the university, we had people from other countries in the same hostel and classrooms, with lecturers from around the world. Today, the situation is so dire that 90 per cent of lecturers in a typical university are from the same state.

“I also want to emphasise that the only thing still keeping us afloat as a university system is TETFund, which is a product of our struggle.”

Osodeke subsequently advised that the funds should be judiciously used for the benefit of future generations, pointing out that if properly managed, TETFund resources can address many problems.

While inaugurating the board, Education Minister, Prof Tahir Mamman, enjoined them to leverage their expertise in driving significant improvements in quality and performance across educational establishments.

Mamman urged them to use their networks to attract resources and support for the institutions, emphasising that the government has high expectations from them in addressing the challenges facing the sub-sector.

The minister also highlighted some challenges that institutions face, including low carrying capacity in universities and colleges of education, as well as unstable academic calendars, due to strikes over the years.

He encouraged the management to view unions as partners, noting that the government is engaging in robust discussions with ASUU to avoid strikes in the system.

Mamman noted that one of the major responsibilities of boards is to attract resources from friends, businesses, and development agencies to improve institutions.

He said by working together and following due process, the board and governing councils will be able to act effectively and avoid problems.

“While councils have autonomy, such is within the context of certain national legislation. For instance, financial regulations are nationwide and universal. There are certain things councils can do, certain things they will do and pass on. Even from the ministry, there are things you pass on to us, and we pass them further.

“Use your contacts and network for the benefit of the universities. Do not merely focus on your allowances and privileges. Explore creative ways to bring resources to the universities,” he added.

Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, urged the appointees to justify the confidence reposed in them and support the government in the task of uplifting the sector.

He said: “The education sector is critical to our national affairs.
It is the foundation for all our development efforts, and Nigeria, with its rapidly growing youthful population, needs to prepare its young people to seize opportunities both locally and internationally, while helping to address our national challenges.”