Ex-NLC President Warns Against Scrapping TETFund

Former Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, has cautioned the federal government against plans to phase out the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), warning that such a move would severely impact universities and other higher institutions.

His warning comes as the National Assembly deliberates on tax reform bills proposing a gradual reduction in TETFund allocations. The bill suggests that from 2025, only 50% of the Education Tax will go to TETFund, while the rest will be redirected to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). By 2030, TETFund could be scrapped entirely, with all education tax proceeds channeled to NELFUND.

Speaking at a National Leadership Retreat organized by the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) in Abuja, Wabba stressed that TETFund has been instrumental in funding university infrastructure and staff training.

“For years, TETFund has been the primary source of funding for our tertiary institutions, especially in addressing dilapidated infrastructure and staff development,” he stated.

Wabba warned that eliminating TETFund would leave universities struggling, as the national education budget remains insufficient. He also called on the government to engage with unions in good faith to address their grievances, emphasizing that strikes are always a last resort.

The proposal to phase out TETFund has sparked widespread concern, with education stakeholders urging lawmakers to reconsider its impact on Nigeria’s higher education system.

Photo credit: Ayuba Wabba, Daily Trust