By Ifeanyi Uwagwu/ Jumai Nwachukwu
ESTABLISHED in 2011, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) administers, manages, disburses, and monitors the judicious utilisation of the now three per cent Tertiary Education Tax paid by all registered companies operating in Nigeria.
It was formerly the Education Tax Act (1993) with a mandate to operate as an intervention fund to all levels of public education – from basic to tertiary education.In 2011, the Act was repealed and replaced with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Act which focuses only on public universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.
However, last week, the agency announced that it is set to discontinue the sponsorship of Nigerian lecturers abroad on foreign scholarship over several issues. In this piece, we look at the ramifications and other widespread issues over the decision set to take effect in a little over four weeks.
The recent decision by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to suspend its foreign scholarship programme for Nigerian lecturers has elicited widespread debate across the academic landscape. Set to take effect on 1 January 2025, the suspension is attributed to the rising cost of training in foreign institutions and an increasing rate of desertion by scholar’s mid-programme. This policy shift, while practical from a fiscal standpoint, carries significant implications for the development of tertiary education in Nigeria. The ramifications extend beyond the individual scholars and their institutions, touching on the broader objectives of improving Nigeria’s global academic standing and fostering innovation through advanced learning.
TETFund’s foreign scholarship programme has historically been instrumental in exposing Nigerian lecturers to cutting-edge research, innovative teaching methodologies, and global best practices. These experiences have equipped beneficiaries with the expertise to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s academic development upon their return. Many have pioneered groundbreaking research, initiated impactful reforms in their institutions, and elevated the standards of education across the country. However, the increasing financial burden of sustaining this programme, coupled with cases of scholars abandoning their studies abroad, has raised questions about its viability.
The suspension of this programme poses a threat to the international exposure Nigerian academics have relied on to stay abreast of global advancements in research and education. This restriction could lead to stagnation in innovative teaching practices and research output, diminishing the competitiveness of Nigerian universities on the global stage. With reduced opportunities for international collaboration and exposure, Nigerian tertiary institutions may struggle to attract global partnerships and funding, which are critical for institutional growth and reputation enhancement.
A significant concern is the potential acceleration of brain drain among Nigerian academics. Scholars with ambitions of advancing their careers may now seek opportunities outside the country, resulting in the loss of highly skilled professionals. The departure of such individuals could weaken the intellectual backbone of Nigeria’s academic community, further hindering the nation’s progress in research and development. Additionally, the reduced global visibility of Nigerian scholars may erode the country’s influence within international academic networks, limiting the cultural and economic benefits that come with active global participation.
Economically, the suspension may reduce the pressure on Nigeria’s foreign exchange reserves, a concern exacerbated by the volatility of the naira in recent years. Scholars have faced severe financial challenges due to exchange rate fluctuations, leading to calls for bailout funds from TETFund. The Fund has tried to mitigate these issues by paying tuition fees directly to foreign institutions and advising parent institutions to keep scholars’ living allowances in domiciliary accounts. Unfortunately, non-compliance with these measures by some institutions has worsened the scholars’ plight, highlighting systemic inefficiencies that must be addressed.
Despite the concerns, the suspension provides an opportunity for Nigeria to refocus on strengthening its domestic education system. The country’s higher education sector has long grappled with issues such as inadequate infrastructure, limited research funding, and outdated curricula. Addressing these challenges can help build a more resilient and self-sufficient academic environment that meets global standards. One way to achieve this is by significantly upgrading research facilities and expanding postgraduate training programmes in Nigerian universities. This would reduce reliance on foreign institutions while ensuring that lecturers receive advanced training locally.
Transnational education presents another viable alternative. TETFund’s collaboration with the National Universities Commission (NUC) to implement transnational education guidelines offers a promising pathway. Under this framework, top-ranking universities from countries like the United Kingdom, the United States, and Malaysia can partner with Nigerian institutions to offer high-quality programmes locally. This arrangement would allow Nigerian academics to benefit from international expertise without the prohibitive costs and logistical challenges of studying abroad.
In addition to transnational education, regional scholarships within Africa and Asia offer cost-effective alternatives. Countries such as South Africa, Kenya, and India boast robust academic systems that provide quality education at significantly lower costs compared to Western institutions. Leveraging these opportunities can maintain the international component of academic training while reducing financial strain.
The rise of digital education also presents a transformative solution. Virtual learning platforms and online exchange programmes enable academics to access global knowledge and certifications from the comfort of their own country. TETFundcould invest in these initiatives to provide Nigerian lecturers with access to international academic networks and resources without the expenses associated with overseas travel and living.
To address the issue of funds mismanagement by parent institutions, TETFund must enforce stricter compliance with its financial guidelines. Institutions must be held accountable for ensuring that scholars’ living allowances are managed in domiciliary accounts, shielding them from exchange rate volatility. A system of penalties for non-compliance should be established to ensure adherence to these regulations, thus preventing the financial hardships that many scholars have faced in the past.
The private sector can also play a critical role in bridging the gap left by the suspension of the foreign scholarship programme. Offering tax incentives to companies that fund academic scholarships can encourage private investment in higher education. This approach not only diversifies funding sources but also strengthens the link between academia and industry, ensuring that educational programmes align with the needs of the labour market.
While these alternatives hold promise, their implementation requires strong policy frameworks and a sustained commitment from stakeholders. The Federal Government must prioritiseeducation funding, ensuring that TETFund has the resources to support domestic capacity-building initiatives. Universities, on their part, must embrace innovation and actively seek partnerships that enhance their academic offerings. A collaborative approach between the government, institutions, and private sector players is essential for achieving long-term success.
The suspension of TETFund’s foreign scholarship programme is a pragmatic response to mounting financial and operational challenges, but it also underscores the urgent need for systemic reform. By investing in the domestic higher education sector, fostering international collaborations within the country, and embracing digital transformation, Nigeria can mitigate the impact of this decision. The goal should be to build a robust and self-reliant academic system that not only meets global standards but also drives national development.
Ultimately, the way forward demands a shift in mindset and priorities. Nigeria must recognise education as a cornerstone of its national development strategy, committing the necessary resources and attention to its growth. While the road ahead may be challenging, the opportunity to transform the country’s education system into a model of excellence is within reach. By seizing this moment, Nigeria can ensure that its academic workforce remains a driving force for innovation, progress, and societal advancement for generations to come.
