NANS Sets Up Committee To Monitor, Verify TETFund Projects Nationwide
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has inaugurated an Independent TETFund Intervention Project Assessment, Verification and Monitoring Committee to evaluate the implementation and impact of projects funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) across tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
The student body said the move was prompted by growing concerns over allegations of abandoned projects, poor execution, substandard work, delayed completion and other irregularities linked to some TETFund-funded projects nationwide.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National President, Dist. Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, NANS acknowledged the Federal Government’s continued investment in the education sector through TETFund interventions but stressed the need to ensure that such investments translate into tangible benefits for students and institutions.
“The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has observed with keen interest the consistent commitment of the Federal Government towards the revitalization and development of the education sector through the sustained intervention funding of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund),” the statement said.
According to NANS, billions of naira have been committed over the years to support infrastructure development, academic facilities, research, staff training and other critical projects in tertiary institutions across the country.
However, the association noted that concerns have continued to trail the execution of some of the projects.
“Of particular concern are persistent allegations of project abandonment, poor execution, substandard delivery, delayed completion, and other fraudulent practices reportedly perpetrated by some contractors entrusted with the implementation of TETFund projects across beneficiary institutions,” the statement added.
The association said the allegations had generated public concern and raised questions about the effectiveness and impact of intervention funds on Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
To address the situation, NANS announced the establishment of an independent committee tasked with conducting a nationwide assessment of TETFund intervention projects.
“Consequently, in line with our responsibility as the foremost representative body of Nigerian students and in furtherance of efforts to complement the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda for the education sector, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) hereby announces the constitution of an Independent TETFund Intervention Project Assessment, Verification and Monitoring Committee,” Akinteye stated.
The committee has been mandated to embark on a comprehensive tour of tertiary institutions across the country to assess, verify and monitor the status of TETFund-funded projects.
According to the statement, the team will evaluate the level of implementation, utilization, quality of delivery and overall impact of the projects on students and host institutions.
NANS disclosed that the committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations within 90 days.
“The report shall guide the leadership of NANS on the next line of action towards establishing the true state of TETFund intervention impacts on Nigeria’s tertiary education sector,” the association said.
It added that recommendations from the committee’s report would be forwarded to the Presidency, the Federal Ministry of Education and other relevant stakeholders for necessary action.
The committee is chaired by Comrade Salahudeen A. Lukman, while members include Comrade Okereke Godson Bishop, Dominic Philip AVM, Odiahi Thomas Ikhine, Wande T. Ajayi and Ibrahim A. Ibrahim. Gambo Abubakar will serve as secretary.
NANS called on tertiary institutions, student leaders, TETFund officials, contractors and other stakeholders to cooperate fully with the committee to ensure the success of the exercise.
“Together, we shall promote accountability, transparency, quality project delivery, and the advancement of tertiary education in Nigeria,” the statement concluded.