Varsity heads call for review of TETFund law

The Pro-Chancellors of Private Universities in Nigeria have called for a review of the law that established Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to allow private institutions to enjoy research fund from the body.

They also resolved to “ support the federal government policy on national development through increased investment in science, technology and innovation” saying “the current wind of change in Nigeria must blow off any ivory tower that is not able to provide the type of human resource that can help the country to face the challenges of global competitiveness”.

These were parts of their resolutions at the inaugural meeting held at Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD) on Tuesday.

A communique signed by the forum chairman and Pro-Chancellor of ABUAD, Prof. Ambassador Iyorwuese Hagher and released to the media yesterday noted “Nigeria cannot be among the 20 best economies in the world when our universities do not rank amongst the best five hundred Universities in the world”.

The Pro-Chancellors that commended TETFund management for its proactive intervention to improve the quality of tertiary education in Nigeria. They however, observed that the “TETFund Act, especially Section 7(1), 2011 of the Act is discriminatory against private tertiary institutions, parents and students (all citizens of Nigeria): the act clearly flouts and contradicts the provision of Section 18 of the 1979 Constitution and allows for an unjustifiable exclusion of private universities”.

They also agreed with the President Muhammadu Buhari that no country could make progress without a serious commitment to the development of Science and Technology and noted that the research output of Nigeria Universities is critically weak.

They observed that in order for the nation to grow, the universities must rapidly expand their research efforts to include applied research, research commercialization and innovation to enhance national development. To do this, the country must utilize its entire research manpower without discrimination.

They noted, “The products of research are best when done through collaborative efforts between private and public sectors. All over the world, there is collaboration among government, academia and the private sector”.

The Pro-Chancellor condemned the menace of insurgents and kidnapping of staff and students of educational institutions. They found this unacceptable and therefore call the security agents to effectively tackle the challenges so that the urgent task of producing the next generation of leaders on our campuses can be earnestly accomplished.
They also commended the founder of ABUAD, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) for his efforts in providing quality and functional education in Nigeria.