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ASUU Warns Against Abolishing TETFund, Says It’s A Threat To Tertiary Education

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The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised concerns over alleged plans to abolish the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), warning that such a move would pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

ASUU, however, called for increased financial support to TETFund to enhance universities and curb the growing trend of Nigerian students seeking education abroad.

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This position was made clear by ASUU’s Calabar zone during its zonal conference in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, on Monday.

The zone comprises seven public universities across Ebonyi, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Abia States, including Abia State University (ABSU), Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Ebonyi State University (EBSU), Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike Ikwo (AE-FUNAI), University of Calabar (UNICAL), University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), and University of Uyo (UNIUYO).

The union strongly criticized a component of the proposed Nigerian Tax Bill, currently before the National Assembly, which seeks to abolish TETFund by ceasing its funding from 2030.

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They described the plan as a dangerous policy that could dismantle the backbone of tertiary education in Nigeria, which TETFund has sustained over the years.

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In a statement signed by the Zonal Coordinator, Happiness Uduk, ASUU labelled the move to end TETFund allocations as unpatriotic.

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The union argued that TETFund has been the primary source of funding for public tertiary institutions, essential for improving infrastructure and maintaining standards.

The statement further condemned the proposed redirection of the education tax, currently supporting TETFund’s programs, to the newly established Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).

ASUU described this as a misguided shift that prioritizes loans over critical infrastructure development in the education sector.

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ASUU notes with serious concern Section 59(3) of the Nigeria Tax Bill (NTB) 2024, which specifically states that only 50% of the Development Levy would be made available to TETFund in 2025 and 2026 while NITDA, NISENI, and NELFUND would share the remaining percentage,” the Union said.

READ ALSO: FULL TEXT: Tinubu Pledges Economic Reforms, Stronger Naira In New Year Message

ASUU, therefore, called on governments, stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians to reject the abrogation of TETFund, describing the move as an ill wind with dire consequences.

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The university teachers’ union further noted that the TETFund Act has not been repealed and that taking funds from the Education Tax (Development levy) to fund other agencies not provided for in the Act is unlawful and contravenes the extant laws of the land.

ASUU, therefore, is vehemently opposed to this and condemns the abrogation of the live-wire of tertiary institutions in Nigeria by allowing a zero allocation to TETFund by 2030.”

“We, therefore, call on the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Senate President, the Speaker of the National House of Assembly, and all National Assembly members, State Governors, parents, students, and indeed all well-meaning Nigerians to reject the abrogation of TETFund as it is an ill wind that is pregnant with dire consequences,” ASUU said.

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The union also faulted the creation of NELFUND to provide student loans in millions of Naira in a country where the State Governors have not agreed to pay a minimum wage of N70,000.00.

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This is a calamity that will lead to very unpleasant outcomes when students graduate and are not provided with well-paid jobs that can guarantee repayment.

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“It spells doom as students may be forced to use the so-called education loan to fund universities through outrageous fees and levies,” they said.

The union further noted that the impact and interventions of TETFund, even with the vested interests, are the reasons tertiary institutions have not lost their glory like the public primary and secondary schools in Nigeria.

We, therefore, propose that henceforth, only academics should be appointed to the Executive Secretary position of TETFund so that the Executive Secretary can easily connect with the dreams and aspirations of tertiary institutions with a clear vision and mission,” the union added.

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CAC Unveils AI-powered Portal For 30-minute Company Registrations

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The Corporate Affairs Commission has launched a pilot Artificial Intelligence-powered registration portal to overhaul the current Company Registration Portal.

The Registrar-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Hussaini Ishaq Magaji, disclosed this at the 2025 Stakeholders’ Forum meeting.

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A statement issued by the commission on Tuesday described the initiative as a game-changer aimed at significantly reducing registration timelines and enhancing the ease of doing business across the country.

According to Magaji, the new system allows for instant name reservation approvals, likening the process to opening an email account.

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It is intelligently designed to suggest available alternatives and grant real-time approvals, removing the traditional bottlenecks,” he said.

One of the portal’s standout features is its ability to facilitate business registration using only the National Identification Number of a director or proprietor.

Magaji said that once real-time NIN verification is successful, a certificate of incorporation would be generated and delivered to the applicant’s email within 30 minutes.

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He stated, “The target time for business registration is under 30 minutes to generate a certificate and deliver to the customer’s email, subject to real-time NIN verification.”

READ ALSO:CAC’s Good Women Choir Leader, Fasoyin, Speaks On Composition Of ‘Odun Nlo Sopin’ Song

While acknowledging that some delays may still arise due to external validations from the National Identity Management Commission, he revealed that a contingency plan has been built into the platform, using AI-powered photo ID matching to overcome such hitches.

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In addition, the Commission plans to introduce a two-factor authentication system with OTP verification for all transactions.

This, according to him, will ensure no changes can be made to company records without the explicit knowledge and consent of the registered directors.

Magaji further announced that a CAC mobile application would be launched in the final quarter of 2025 to allow users to track and manage transactions on the go.

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READ ALSO:JUST IN: CAC Gives Unregistered Businesses Deadline, Warns Of Jail Term

Speaking on new partnerships, he disclosed that the Commission is currently reviewing over 100 requests from local and international super agents, including the Nigerian Inter-Bank Settlement System, aimed at deepening access and streamlining services.

Meanwhile, the Registrar-General also revealed that the Commission would commence a review of its service fees effective August 1, 2025, citing the need to maintain service quality and implement ongoing reforms.

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The statement added that goodwill messages at the forum were delivered by the Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Port Harcourt Branch, Cordelia U. Eke; Chairman, Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators, Sir Sebastian Essien; and Chairman, Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, Elder Dogala Sakpege.

Also in attendance were Mechi Brown, Director of Industry at the Rivers State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Miema Akpa, who represented the Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Port Harcourt branch.

A CAC technical team was present during the event to attend to customer complaints and provide on-the-spot solutions to registration challenges.

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Lagos Monarch Dethrones Six Chiefs For ‘Impersonating’ Him At Labour Party Campaign

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The Ojora of Ijora and Iganmu Kingdom, Oba AbdulFatai Oyegbemi, has dethroned six chiefs for attending the campaign flag-off of the Labour Party at the Apapa area of Lagos State.

The monarch stated that the chiefs had attended the political event without his consent and had violated palace protocol by impersonating him there.

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The affected chiefs are Chief Lateef Ojora (Bale Alaba Oro), Chief Saliu Biliamin (Bale Alafia Dodoro), and Chief Taiwo Hassan (Bale Oke Ira).

READ ALSO:Lagos To Divert Traffic Ahead 110-day Repair Of Ogudu/Ifako Bridge

Others are Chief Idris Ojora (Bale Abule Kere), Chief Hakeem Oseni (Bale Mosafejo Amukoko), and Chief Sule Balogun (Balogun of Abule Kere).

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The development followed a palace meeting held on Monday, where Oba Oyegbemi declared the chiefs’ actions unacceptable.

In a statement sighted by our correspondent on Tuesday, it read, “Following the outcome of this event, which unfolded without his prior knowledge, Kabiyesi Ojora summoned the Bales, Balogun, and the Ojora Councils to his ancient Palace for clarification.

READ ALSO:Lagos To Divert Traffic Ahead 110-day Repair Of Ogudu/Ifako Bridge

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In a tone marked by disappointment and authority, Kabiyesi stated that the Chiefs’ actions were in violation of their duties. He reiterated that no Chief should make decisions or act on his behalf without his explicit consent, as they all serve to represent him and uphold the traditions of the land.

“The decisive action of dethroning the six Chiefs underscores his commitment to maintaining order and coherence within his leadership structure. During this assembly, Kabiyesi also took the opportunity to commend the present Government’s ongoing development initiatives in Ojora Land, expressing his commitment to continue supporting the Administration as it fosters growth and progress for the Kingdom.”

The Lagos monarch, however, affirmed the significance of transparency and collaboration between traditional authorities and their representation in political matters, while reminding all chiefs of their responsibilities while serving under the esteemed Ojora Kingdom.

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Senator Withdraws From Legislative Duties Over Health Challenge

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The lawmaker representing the Cross River North Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Agom Jarigbe, has announced a temporary withdrawal from legislative and constituency engagements due to pressing health concerns.

In a statement issued on Monday, the senator disclosed that he is currently receiving medical care and, on the advice of doctors, will be away from active duties for a short period. As a result, a widely anticipated endorsement rally scheduled to be held in the coming days has been postponed.

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The lawmaker emphasised that the decision is in the best interests of his health and the effective representation of his constituents.

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He said, “This is a necessary pause, and I am having proper medical attention. God willing, I expect to fully resume my responsibilities within the next two weeks or even sooner.”

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The senator expressed appreciation for the prayers and support of his constituents while emphasising that the decision to suspend the rally was taken in recognition of the need to be at full strength when engaging with the people of Cross River North.

No mortal is immune to health challenges. This moment reminds us of the fragile nature of life and the need for compassion,” he added.

READ ALSO:Natasha Drags Ebonyi Senator To Court Over TV interview, Demands N5bn

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Jarigbe also appealed to the public to disregard political attempts to exploit his health condition for ridicule. “Let us not lose our shared sense of humanity in the name of politics,” he urged.

The senator reassured the public of his commitment to returning soon to continue the work of development in the senatorial district. He encouraged those in need of urgent healthcare assistance to contact his constituency office in his absence.

 

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