The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has issued a firm warning to beneficiary institutions, stressing that failure to meet enrolment benchmarks, uphold academic standards, or properly account for allocated funds could lead to suspension of future funding.
The warning was delivered by TETFund Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, during a one-day strategic engagement in Abuja with heads of institutions, bursars, and procurement officers from across Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
Echono expressed deep concern over cases of under-enrolment and inefficiency, citing a polytechnic in the Southeast that has operated for four years with just 30 students yet continues to receive public funding.
“This is embarrassing, especially in a region known for academic excellence. It undermines the Fund’s objectives and invites unnecessary scrutiny from the presidency and the public,” he said.
The TETFund chief criticized institutions for failing to access or appropriately utilise funds allocated for academic development and infrastructure. He warned that any institution unable to retire its funding or justify its use will face reallocation of those resources.
He also cautioned against the habit of blaming stalled or abandoned projects on previous leadership. “When you assume office, you inherit both assets and liabilities. You must take ownership and work with your community to solve lingering infrastructure issues,” Echono added.
Addressing the recent suspension of foreign components in the Academic Staff Training and Development programme, Echono said the Fund is now focused on empowering domestic institutions to meet international standards.
“Knowledge is universal, but it must be adapted to local realities. Our universities must become true centres of excellence, not just places of ambition,” he said.
Echono also announced plans to scale up the provision of hospital accommodation for medical students on clinical rotations, supporting ongoing efforts to improve practical training in Nigeria’s medical schools.
Responding to concerns over the proliferation of tertiary institutions, Echono defended the government’s decision to expand access, pointing to the country’s large youth population.
“With nearly 60 percent of our population being young people, we must create space for them in the education system. If we don’t, the consequences will be dire,” he said. “Our goal is to increase enrolment so more students can access learning opportunities.”
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), represented by National Project Coordinator Joshua Attah, praised TETFund’s role in improving infrastructure, academic standards, and staff training across the country.
Similarly, the Executive Secretary of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), represented by Prof. Bashiru Hassan, urged institutions to strengthen internal processes and ensure compliance with procurement regulations.
He called for more transparent discussions around procurement challenges and stressed the need for institutions to build the capacity required to deliver on expectations.
The engagement highlights the growing pressure on tertiary institutions to become more accountable, efficient, and aligned with Nigeria’s broader development goals.
