The House of Representatives has revealed that Nigeria’s tertiary institutions have left over N500 billion in Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) grants unclaimed. Miriam Onuoha, the chairperson of the House committee on TETFund, disclosed this during a visit to Kaduna on Thursday, highlighting concerns about unclaimed intervention funds still held in the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Unclaimed Funds in Kaduna Tertiary Institutions
Onuoha noted that three major state-owned tertiary institutions in Kaduna collectively have N1.3 billion in unclaimed TETFund grants. Specifically, Kaduna State University has N547 million unclaimed, Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic in Zaria has N724 million, and the College of Education in Gidan Waya has N30 million.
Challenges in Accessing TETFund Grants
The committee chairperson attributed the high level of unclaimed funds to stringent conditions imposed on institutions for accessing the grants. These bureaucratic hurdles have deterred many institutions from utilizing available funds for crucial educational and infrastructural development. Onuoha stressed the need to engage with tertiary institutions to streamline the process and facilitate easier access to these funds.
Government Commitment to Accountability
Onuoha assured that the committee would ensure accountability for all disbursed funds. She emphasized the importance of proper documentation and usage of TETFund grants to enhance the quality of education in Nigeria. The House committee is committed to working closely with tertiary institutions to address the existing challenges and ensure that the funds are utilized effectively.
Importance of TETFund Intervention
TETFund grants are crucial for supporting infrastructural development, research, and academic programs in Nigeria’s higher education institutions. The unclaimed funds represent a missed opportunity for improving the standard of education and addressing pressing needs in the tertiary sector. The committee’s efforts aim to unlock these funds for the benefit of students and faculty, ultimately contributing to the advancement of Nigeria’s educational system.
The revelation underscores the need for Nigerian tertiary institutions to prioritize efficient management and utilization of available resources, ensuring that they meet the academic and infrastructural demands of their communities.
