In order to promote development, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called for the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to provide its resources to tertiary institutions in an appropriate manner.
Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, President of ASUU, lamented over the funds present ineffective use, pointing out that some campus projects from as far back as 2014 and 2015 remained unfinished.
He stated that the only thing keeping Nigerian tertiary education alive is the TETFund and that the nation’s educational system has to be drastically changed.
The ASUU leader made a speech on Thursday in Abuja during the TETFund Board of Trustees (BOT) and Governing Councils’ inaugurations, which were presided over by Prof. Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education.
The chairman said: “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 emphasise 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.”
During the Board and Councils’ inauguration, the minister urged the members to use their knowledge to propel notable gains in performance and quality throughout educational institutions.
Mamman stressed that the government has high expectations from them in tackling the issues affecting tertiary education and urged them to use their networks to draw resources and support for the institutions.
He said: “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 outlined some of the difficulties that educational institutions confront, such as low enrolment at universities and colleges of education and the unpredictability of academic calendars brought on by past strikes.
Noting that the government is having extensive talks with ASUU to prevent systemic strikes, he urged management to see unions as partners.
“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,” he stated.
He stated that one of the main duties of councils around the world is to get funding for institutions’ improvement from friends, companies, and development organisations.
He said that the Board and Councils should be able to act wisely and stay out of trouble if they cooperate and observe the law.
“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.
Sonny Echono, the TETFund’s executive secretary, commended the governing councils and boards on their appointments.
“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.
