Chidimma UCHEGBU
The Federal Government has called on the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Board of Trustees and the governing councils of some federal tertiary institutions to leverage their expertise to drive significant improvements in quality and performance across educational establishments.
The Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, stated this during the inauguration of the TETFund Board of Trustees and the governing councils of some federal tertiary institutions in Abuja on Tuesday.
Mamman urged them to use their networks to attract resources and support for the institutions, emphasizing that the government has high expectations from them in addressing the challenges facing tertiary education.
“Your appointment is a clear recognition of your track records, established integrity, and experience. These appointments reflect the diversity of our nation, professions, expertise, and experience in various areas.
“I want to thank you for accepting this invitation to join in the task of advancing our tertiary institutions so they can fulfill their commitment to quality teaching, learning, research, and service to our communities and our nation.
“I urge you all to reciprocate the trust and confidence the government has placed in you by using your knowledge, skills, and experience to elevate the tertiary institutions to greater heights.”
The Minister also highlighted some challenges that institutions face, including low carrying capacity in universities and colleges of education and the instability of academic calendars due to strikes over the years.
He encouraged management to view unions as partners, noting that the government is engaging in robust discussions with ASUU to avoid strikes in the system.
“We’ve had some meetings already. Yes, yesterday we spent some time discussing the issues and developed a very robust plan to address them. We hope that what we put in place yesterday will help us avoid any form of strike.”
According to him, one of the major responsibilities of councils worldwide is to attract resources from friends, businesses, and development agencies to improve institutions.
He stated that by working together and following due process, the Board and Councils will be able to act effectively and avoid problems.
“Yes, councils have autonomy, but that autonomy is within the context of certain national legislation. For instance, financial regulations are nationwide and universal. There are certain things councils can do, certain things they will do and pass on. Even from the ministry, there are things you pass on to us, and we pass them further.
“Use your contacts and network for the benefit of the universities. Do not merely focus on your allowances and privileges. Explore creative ways to bring resources to the universities,” he added.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arch. Sonny Echono, congratulated the boards and governing councils for their nominations to serve in various capacities.
“I have no doubt that you will work diligently to justify the confidence placed in you by Mr. President. The education sector is critical to our national affairs.
“It is the foundation for all our development efforts, and Nigeria, with its rapidly growing youthful population, needs to prepare our young people to seize opportunities both domestically and internationally while helping to address our national challenges,” Echono said.
Earlier, the President of ASUU, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, called for the judicious use of TETFund funds to foster development.
Osodeke stated that the only thing sustaining tertiary education in Nigeria is TETFund, adding that the country’s educational system is in a serious state and requires transformation.
“My prayer is that this council will contribute to transforming our educational system. When we were at the university, we had people from other countries in the same hostel and classrooms, with lecturers from around the world. Today, the situation is so dire that 90% of the lecturers in a typical university are from the same state.
“I also want to emphasize that the only thing still keeping us afloat as a university system is TETFund, which is a product of our struggle.
“So, my advice is to use this money wisely for the benefit of future generations. Properly managed, TETFund resources can address many problems. However, currently, the funds are not being used effectively. Many campus projects from as far back as 2014 and 2015 remain incomplete. I appeal to the Minister and board members to assess how the funds have been used,” he said.
