ASUU Urges FG to Retain TETFUND Amid Tax Reforms
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is sounding the alarm over the potential consequences of the federal government’s move to alter funding for the education sector through the Nigeria tax reforms bills of 2024 currently before the National Assembly.
Zonal coordinator of ASUU-Kano zone, Professor Abdulkadir Muhammad, expressed grave concerns during a press conference in Kano. He highlighted that the proposed changes could result in the termination of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and its replacement with the newly established Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
ASUU’s Concerns and Call to Action
Professor Muhammad emphasized the implications of Section 59(3) of the Nigeria Tax Bill (NTB) 2024, which outlines a significant reduction in the allocation of the development levy to TETFUND in the coming years. This shift in funding allocation could jeopardize critical initiatives supported by TETFUND, such as physical infrastructure development, research programs, and staff training in Nigerian universities.
He also underscored the historical significance of TETFUND, which was conceptualized by ASUU in response to a challenge from the Babangida military regime in 1992. The fund has played a vital role in enhancing the educational landscape in Nigeria by providing essential resources to universities across the country.
ASUU’s Advocacy Efforts and Future Plans
ASUU has pledged to engage with key stakeholders, including the National Assembly, to advocate for the preservation of TETFUND’s funding in the face of the proposed tax reforms. The union is calling on Nigerians to support efforts to safeguard the future of education in the country and ensure that adequate resources are allocated to sustain academic excellence.
In the event that these engagement efforts do not yield the desired outcomes, ASUU is prepared to explore alternative strategies to protect the interests of the education sector. The union’s resolve to defend TETFUND reflects its commitment to upholding the quality of education and research in Nigerian universities.
ASUU-Kano Zone and the Universities at Stake
Notable institutions within the ASUU-Kano zone, including Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Bayero University Kano, and Kaduna State University, are among the universities that could be impacted by the proposed changes to TETFUND. These universities, along with others in the zone, stand to lose vital support for academic development and infrastructure improvements if the tax reforms are implemented as currently outlined.
As the debate over the future of TETFUND unfolds, ASUU remains steadfast in its advocacy efforts to preserve the integrity of the fund and ensure continued investment in the education sector. The union’s proactive stance underscores the critical importance of sustainable funding mechanisms for bolstering educational opportunities and advancing academic excellence in Nigeria.
