the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) urged Vice-Chancellors to take a more proactive role in shaping the future of Nigerian universities. The union emphasized the importance of internal leadership and warned that external reliance, coupled with stagnant funding, would severely hinder the sector’s growth.

This plea comes amid a crucial meeting in Abuja, where the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) engaged key stakeholders, including university heads, in a one-day strategic session. Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary of TETFund, highlighted the agency’s renewed commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s tertiary education, following the recent increase in the Education Tax from 2.5% to 3%. This increase, he explained, would allow TETFund to focus on improving academic programs, infrastructure, and accessibility for students across the nation.

“TETFund’s purpose is to empower the nation’s human capital,” Echono said, stressing the need for strategic collaborations to ensure the continued growth of higher education. He also highlighted the significant role of educational leaders in actualizing the Fund’s objectives and enhancing institutional performance.

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However, ASUU President, Professor Emmanuel Osodeke, cautioned that proposed changes to TETFund’s tax structure could threaten the financial stability of universities. Osodeke voiced concerns about the potential reductions in tax contributions, warning that such changes could undermine the sector’s funding base.

“Tax reductions may appear to benefit industries, but they risk crippling the funding that sustains higher education,” Osodeke remarked. He underscored the importance of resisting the passing of these bills in the National Assembly, stressing that failure to act could result in the collapse of Nigeria’s university system in the coming years.

In addition to the financial concerns, Osodeke pointed out that substantial funds remain untapped in central banks, with many universities unable to access or utilize these resources. This inefficiency, he argued, exacerbates the sector’s challenges and delays crucial projects.

Meanwhile, Aminu Bello Masari, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of TETFund, called for the removal of politics from the education sector to facilitate meaningful progress. He urged universities to explore alternative funding strategies, reducing their dependence on government intervention. Masari emphasized that sustainable funding models are essential for the long-term success of Nigerian higher education institutions.