TETFund Here to Stay, Says Education Minister

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to sustaining the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), describing it as a critical pillar in the development of Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

Speaking at a strategic engagement in Lagos over the weekend with heads of institutions, bursars, and procurement officers of TETFund beneficiary institutions, Alausa assured stakeholders that the ongoing Tax Reform Bill before the National Assembly will not affect the agency’s operations.

“TETFund will continue into eternity,” he declared, emphasizing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had approved increased funding for the agency, including a 50 per cent development levy.

According to the minister, TETFund’s contributions in improving infrastructure, access, and academic quality in tertiary institutions across the country remain invaluable. “If institutions utilise their allocations effectively, they can match global standards,” he added.

However, Dr. Alausa warned that institutions failing to meet performance expectations would face serious consequences. He stated that any institution with fewer than 2,000 students, or those violating procurement protocols or failing to meet enrolment benchmarks, risk being removed from the list of TETFund beneficiaries.

“We have stopped the era where some institutions collect funds without delivering on projects,” he said, adding that the new policy is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the intervention framework and promoting equitable resource distribution.

Also speaking at the event, TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, revealed that this year’s intervention cycle will focus on consolidating past gains and ensuring sustainability. Priorities include completing abandoned and ongoing projects, rehabilitating infrastructure, and establishing innovation and entrepreneurship development centres nationwide.