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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

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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.

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.

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.

“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.