News

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

Published

1 year ago

January 13, 2025

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.

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.

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.

“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.

News

Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.

The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
‎
‎ A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
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‎Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.

READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
‎
It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
‎
‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.

He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.

Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.

“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.

“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
‎

News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.

According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.

“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”

Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.

He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.

“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”

In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.

The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

15 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.