The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has strongly criticised the Federal Government’s proposed reforms, warning against plans to phase out the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
The union argues that such a move would severely harm public education, which heavily depends on TETFund for infrastructure and development.
ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke warned that redirecting TETFund’s resources to support the newly introduced Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) would cripple public universities.
He accused some political elites of seeking to weaken public institutions, denying access to quality education for the less privileged.
Osodeke highlighted that TETFund’s establishment was achieved through decades of academic advocacy, urging the government to explore alternative funding for NELFUND, such as using Value Added Tax (VAT).
He noted that TETFund accounts for 90% of physical infrastructure in Nigeria’s universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Under the proposed reforms, TETFund’s share of consolidated revenue is set to reduce to 50% by 2025, 33% by 2026, and be fully eliminated by 2030.
ASUU also criticised NELFUND’s loan-based model, arguing that it is unsuitable for Nigeria, as increased tuition fees driven by the scheme have already led to higher dropout rates among students from low-income families.
The union called for a grant-based approach to ensure equitable access to education.
ASUU concluded with an appeal to the government to preserve TETFund’s role in sustaining tertiary education. “Allow TETFund to stay,” Osodeke pleaded.
“Don’t destroy what has kept our universities running. Let the poor breathe.”
