The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has announced the formation of an independent committee to assess, verify, and monitor projects funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) across Nigeria. This initiative follows persistent complaints from stakeholders regarding the implementation and impact of TETFund-funded projects, despite significant federal investments in tertiary education.
Background of the Initiative
In a statement issued on Sunday, NANS National President Akinteye Babatunde Afeez acknowledged the Federal Government's commitment to revitalizing the education sector through TETFund interventions. He described the agency as a critical driver of infrastructure and academic development in Nigerian tertiary institutions. According to NANS, billions of naira have been invested over the years in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education for the construction of lecture theaters, hostels, laboratories, libraries, and other academic facilities. These interventions have also supported research, staff development, capacity building, and other initiatives aimed at improving teaching, learning, and innovation.
Concerns Over Project Implementation
Despite these significant investments, NANS noted that concerns have continued to emerge regarding the actual utilization and impact of many projects. The association expressed particular concern over recurring allegations of project abandonment, delayed completion, poor workmanship, substandard execution, and other questionable practices reportedly associated with some contractors handling TETFund projects in beneficiary institutions. According to NANS, these allegations have generated widespread public concern and raised questions about whether the interventions are delivering the expected value to students and the broader education system.
“The concerns surrounding the implementation of TETFund projects have become too significant to ignore. There is a need for an independent assessment to establish the true state of these interventions and determine whether the objectives for which public funds were allocated are being achieved,” the statement said.
Establishment of the Committee
To address the situation, NANS announced the establishment of an Independent TETFund Intervention Project Assessment, Verification and Monitoring Committee. The committee is chaired by Salahudeen Lukman, with members including Okereke Bishop, Dominic Philip AVM, Odiahi Ikhine, Wande Ajayi, and Ibrahim Ibrahim. Gambo Abubakar serves as Secretary. Afeez mandated the panel to embark on a comprehensive nationwide tour of tertiary institutions to inspect projects funded through TETFund interventions.
Terms of Reference
The committee's terms of reference include assessing the level of project implementation, verifying the utilization of completed facilities, evaluating the quality of delivery, and determining the overall impact of the interventions on students and host institutions. The NANS President said the exercise is intended to complement the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the education sector by promoting accountability, transparency, and effective project delivery.
Timeline and Reporting
NANS gave the committee 90 days to complete its assignment. The panel will independently engage stakeholders within tertiary institutions, gather evidence from project sites, and compile findings that will provide a clearer picture of the effectiveness of TETFund interventions across the country. According to Afeez, the report will contain findings, observations, and recommendations that will guide NANS’ future actions regarding TETFund projects and interventions. He further disclosed that the committee’s recommendations would be forwarded to the Presidency, the Federal Ministry of Education, TETFund, and other relevant government agencies for necessary action.
Call for Cooperation
The association called on vice-chancellors, rectors, provosts, student leaders, TETFund officials, contractors, and other stakeholders to cooperate fully with the committee in carrying out its assignment. The statement expressed optimism that the exercise would strengthen accountability in the management of education intervention funds and ensure that projects funded with public resources deliver meaningful benefits to students and institutions.
