The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Kano Zone, has raised concerns about the proposed Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, calling it a covert attempt by the Federal Government to dismantle the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). The union warned that such a move would undo decades of progress in Nigeria’s public tertiary education sector.
Speaking at a press briefing in Kano, the Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Comrade Abdulkadir Muhammad, criticized Section 59(3) of the bill, which proposes a phased reduction of TETFund’s allocation until it reaches zero by 2030.
“This bill is nothing short of a systematic attempt to kill TETFund, the brainchild of ASUU, which has saved Nigeria’s public university system from collapse over the years,” Muhammad declared.
A Legacy Under Threat
Muhammad reminded stakeholders that TETFund, originally established as the Education Trust Fund (ETF) in 1993 during the Babangida administration, was borne out of ASUU’s recommendations to address chronic underfunding in tertiary education.
“Since its inception, TETFund has been the most effective agency in providing interventions to Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions,” he noted. “Its contributions in infrastructure, library development, research, staff training, and other areas have surpassed what annual budgetary allocations to education could achieve.”
Under the proposed bill, only 50% of the Development Levy would be allocated to TETFund between 2025 and 2026, with the remainder distributed to other agencies, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). By 2030, TETFund would receive no funding at all.
“This move is anti-poor, unpatriotic, and a threat to the survival of public tertiary education in Nigeria,” Muhammad emphasized.
Consequences of TETFund’s Abolition
ASUU warned that dismantling TETFund would erode gains made in repositioning Nigeria’s public universities for global competitiveness.
“The impact of TETFund is visible in every public tertiary institution in Nigeria. Abolishing it will reverse years of progress and jeopardize the future of education in the country,” Muhammad said.
He added that TETFund has been critical in addressing gaps left by inadequate budgetary allocations to education.
Call to Action
ASUU-Kano Zone urged the National Assembly and National Economic Council to reject the bill and prevent its enactment.
“We call on well-meaning Nigerians and other stakeholders to intervene and demand the immediate withdrawal of this bill,” Muhammad appealed.
The union vowed to resist any attempts to undermine TETFund, describing it as a lifeline for public universities.
“We will not stand idly by while the government dismantles an agency that has been pivotal in supporting public tertiary education,” Muhammad asserted.
As the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024 advances through the legislative process, ASUU’s opposition highlights the broader debate on education funding and its implications for the country’s development.
