The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against any endeavors that may jeopardize Nigeria’s educational framework in a misguided adherence to policies dictated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The Ibadan zone of ASUU conveyed this caution through a statement released to DAILY POST on Sunday.
CREEBHILLS reports that this zone encompasses the University of Ibadan, Ibadan; the University of Ilorin, Ilorin; Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso; Osun State University, Osogbo; Kwara State University, Malete; and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo.
In the statement, the union alerted both the National Assembly and the Federal Government to the potential risks associated with the proposed dissolution of TETFund and its substitution with NELFUND under the forthcoming Public Benefit and Taxation Bill (PBTB) of 2024.
Zonal Coordinator, Professor Oyegoke Oyebamiji, emphasized that TETFund, which originated from the union’s initiative, has significantly contributed to the enhancement of infrastructural development within Nigerian tertiary institutions.
He further noted that this initiative has facilitated the professional development of academic staff members, substantially advanced cutting-edge research endeavors, and supported the organization of seminars, workshops, and conferences on both domestic and international fronts.
Additionally, he remarked that the initiative has been instrumental in equipping under-resourced scientific and engineering laboratories, acquiring books to replenish outdated libraries, and establishing state-of-the-art e-libraries in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Oyebamiji further articulated that substituting TETFund with NELFUND would be equivalent to self-sabotage.
“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, NASENI, and NELFUND would share the remaining percentages.
“Government that allocates 7% of budget to education, as against the 15% in its manifesto during campaign and over 20% recommended by UNESCO should be resisted from commercializing public education they had benefited so much from to be who and where they are in Nigeria and the rest of the world.
“TETFund will also receive “66⅔% in 2027, 2028 and 2029 years of assessment” but “0% in 2030 year of assessment and thereafter.
“ASUU urges the National Assembly and the Federal Government to reconsider this proposal and instead, work to strengthen TETFund and ensure its continued relevance in supporting tertiary education in Nigeria.”
