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TETFund Interventions: VCs, Rectors, Provosts lament extortion by Reps

Published

3 years ago

February 10, 2024

TETFund Interventions: VCs, Rectors, Provosts lament extortion by Reps

Some vice chancellors of Nigerian universities, rectors of polytechnics and provosts of colleges of education, have cried out over alleged extortion by the House of Representatives Committee on Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and Other Services.

They decried what they called “unwholesome overbearing influence” in internal matters of the institutions.

The latest outcry came in respect of the planned implementation of the 2024 approved normal intervention projects of TETfund in federal and state universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

Some vice chancellors, rectors and provosts, as well as bursars and accounting officers of the institutions, who spoke to Daily Trust Saturday, alleged that extortion by the House Committee on TETFUND had been the trend over the years, as members of the committee make life difficult for them.

One of the vice chancellors said the committee had taken the alleged “intrusion” to another level.

He said, “Besides directing us to come with ‘Ghana Must Go’ bags of photocopied documents, we have been forced to pay money in order to get a clean bill. I am not sure they are even reading the documents.

“It appears they (the legislators) are abusing the powers the Nigerian constitution gives them,” he said.

When Daily Trust Saturday reached out to the chairperson of the committee, Princess Mariam Onuoha, for her reaction to the allegations, she simply sent the phone number of the spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, to respond.

When our reporter reminded her that the allegations bordered directly on her committee and that it was important for her to react to the issues, she simply replied via a text message, “When you are done with Hon Akin on the matter then you would see there is no need for further engagement on a mere invitation by a standing committee. Thank you very much.”

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When our reporter called the House spokesperson, Akin and explained that he was referred by the TETFUND committee chairperson, he requested that the questions be sent to him for reaction.

The questions were sent to him on January 24, 2024 via WhatsApp, and the message marked read, but he is yet to provide the reaction despite reminders.

Many institutions under ‘scrutiny’

There are 53 federal universities, 63 state universities, 38 federal polytechnics, 49 state polytechnics and many federal and state colleges of education, among other institutions.

Many of the institutions benefit from TETFund, which mandates include providing essential physical infrastructure for teaching and learning, instructional material and equipment, support for research and publications, academic staff training and development.

Questionable oversight

Daily Trust Saturday learnt that each TETFund benefitting university, polytechnic or college of education is allegedly being asked to pay N2 million to facilitate the “verification” of the documents submitted to the House committee.

The recent allegations are coming on the heels of letters sent by the committee to the institutions across Nigeria, directing them not to proceed with the implementation of the approved projects until they meet with members of the committee.

President Bola Tinubu had approved over N683 billion as 2024 allocation to beneficiary institutions under the TETFund scheme.

This was disclosed by the executive secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, an architect, during the 2024 Strategic Planning Meeting held with heads of the institutions in January 2024, at the Fund’s headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking at the meeting, Echono said, “I am pleased to inform you that Mr President has approved the 2024 disbursement guidelines in the total sum of N683,429,268,402.64. From this total, 90.75 per cent is budgeted for direct disbursement and 8.94 per cent for some designated special projects. A stabilisation of 2.27 per cent is allowed to enable the Fund respond to emerging issues.

“This is inclusive of the difference between actual collections and the projections made for November and December 2023 collections as requested and approved by Mr President.

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“Based on this approval, each university will get, for the 2024 intervention cycle, the total amount of N1, 906,944,930.00. This comprises N1, 656,944,930.00 as Annual Direct Disbursement and N250m as Zonal Intervention. Similarly, each polytechnic will get N1,165,355,235.00 comprising of N1,015,355,235.00 as Annual Direct Disbursement and N150m as Zonal Intervention, while each college of education will get N1,398,426,282.00 comprising of N1,248,426,282.00 as Annual Direct Disbursement and N150 million as Zonal Intervention.”

Echono charged heads of beneficiary institutions on early implementation of their respective allocations.

He advised them to consult widely with their respective communities in the implementation of TETFund projects, and also ensure timely payments to contractors and vendors when due.

This, he said, would enable proper completion of projects and mitigate the incidence of contractors writing letters of complaints to the Fund.

However, the House committee has directed that no project should be executed until the heads of the various institutions submitted details of their implementation plans and also appear before a panel.

The committee, in a letter dated January 12, 2024 and sent to the secretary-general, Committee on Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), Prof Yakubu Ochefu, ordered stoppage of execution of TETFund projects across the country for the 2024 intervention cycle.

The letter, with reference number NASS/HR/10/EDT/VOL4/237 and signed by the committee’s clerk, Gbolagun Isaiah Akinwunmi, requested all universities to, among other things, submit drawings, designs and specifications, procurement, among others, to the committee.

The communication directed that relevant documents be submitted to the committee, on or before February 23, and that the heads of the institutions are to appear before it on February 27, 2024.

“In accordance with the House committee’s statutory oversight mandate on all public tertiary institutions in relation to the implementation of all TETFund interventions and allocations, I am directed to request your institution’s 2024 TETFund normal intervention implementation details.

“You are requested to furnish the committee with the full implementation details, including but not limited to the drawings, designs and specifications for all projects procurement and services as contained in your 2024 TETFund Normal Intervention Allocation letter issued to your Institution.

“In view of the above, and sequel to section 80(3) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended) and the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives, the House Committee on TETFund and Other Services shall conduct further consideration of your submission to ensure compliance with the Fund’s Guidelines and Establishment Act as part of its oversight function. Kindly note that you are expected to stay action on implementation processes until submission and appearance before the committee is concluded,” the letter reads.

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But the heads of the institutions lamented that the move constituted a stumbling block to early implementation of TETFund projects.

Besides, they also view the move as a usurpation of the powers of the governing councils of the various institutions and that of TETFund, who have direct oversight of the institutions.

A vice chancellor of one of the federal universities said the lawmakers were allegedly hiding under the guise of the exercise to extort universities.

He said, “I must tell you that it is not in the interest of the universities but their pockets.

“We all know what they want to do; it is to make money from the institutions, if not, why ask us to go for verification or presentation of our implementation details after the president has approved funds and TETFund carried out their disbursement according to laid down rules?”

He alleged that lawmakers and some government agencies have been extorting tertiary institutions through numerous visits in the name of oversight.

“We have different committees visiting us from different government agencies in the name of quality assurance, oversight visits, among others; and during each visit, you are expected to part with a certain amount of money. And to be honest, it makes leading the universities difficult.

“Every intervention is carried out with the approval of the president, and follows due process as well.

“The federal government has to look into this and stop these unnecessary visits. The universities are already crying to meet up with several expenses like buying diesel and paying light (electricity) bills, among others,” the VC said.

An accountant in one of the federal polytechnics described the oversight function as “a racket.”

“There was a certain review before the latest invitation. The committee asked us to photocopy all the documents and bring them in ‘Ghana Must Go’ bags.

“I was really shocked when we arrived together with our rector. They didn’t ask us to open the bags; they just asked the rector some questions.

“Of course, they have been settled far ahead of time; therefore, within the shortest time we were asked to leave,” the accountant said.

What the law says

Meanwhile, Daily Trust Saturday learnt that the TETFund guidelines on project interventions have made it clear on how allocations are to be implemented.

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A source said TETFund gives allocations, but the institutions in turn propose their projects, which must be in tandem with their needs.

He said the beneficiary institutions were always encouraged to have a strategic plan for at least 10 years, indicating the kind of projects the institution would like to undertake.

He said this was to avoid a situation where some institutions or politicians would hijack or stop the projects initiated by previous vice chancellors.

The source explained that TETFund projects are a continuous process and no one would stop an ongoing project or embark on another without finishing the one that has commenced.

Although TETFund declined to speak on the summons to the heads of the tertiary institutions by the Reps committee, a copy of its guidelines obtained by Daily Trust Saturday showed that there are well specified rules already stipulated, which the institutions must meet in order to access the funds to carry out projects or procurements.

Move will delay projects implementation

Meanwhile, the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-owned Universities (COPSUN), in a statement issued on January 24 and signed by the secretary of the committee, Suleiman Abubakar Mahdi, on behalf of the chairman, lamented the directives of the House committee.

The statement, with ref number, COPSUN/PR/24/001 and titled “Press statement on the directive to the vice chancellors of Nigerian universities suspending the implementation of TETFund normal interventions,” noted that the committee “is gravely concerned about this unprecedented directive given at a time when the universities are in various stages of procurement and the likely effect it will have on their budgetary implementation processes.

“It should be noted that the governing councils of the various state-owned universities are by law empowered to award or approve the award of contracts after due procurement and are doing so in exercise of the prerogative.

“With the greatest respect to the House committee, we feel that their action is not an encroachment on the autonomy of the universities but an infringement on the doctrine of the separation of powers, which has the potential for conflict among the tiers and branches of government.

“The House committee may wish to be respectfully reminded that the funds disbursed by TETFund belong to the states and are subject to appropriation and exclusive oversight by the various states’ House of Assembly. Therefore, the directive, even if valid, should not apply to the state-owned universities.

“Furthermore, time is of essence in executing these contracts, and with the upward trend in the dollar exchange rate with the resultant inflation, this could ultimately increase cost,” the COPSUN stated.

-agency

TETFund Interventions: VCs, Rectors, Provosts lament extortion by Reps

Daily Trust

Related Topics:Provosts Rectors TETFUND VCs

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US to Withdraw 200 Troops from Nigeria as Counterterrorism Mission Winds Down

Published

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August 28, 2026

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US to Withdraw 200 Troops from Nigeria as Counterterrorism Mission Winds Down

The United States is preparing to withdraw approximately 200 troops deployed to Nigeria earlier this year to support the fight against Islamist militants, as its counterterrorism mission in the country winds down. The withdrawal is expected to be completed by late September, according to a report by The New York Times citing US military officials. However, the departure of the larger contingent will not end US security cooperation with Nigeria, as smaller teams of military trainers and intelligence analysts are expected to remain in the country.

The US troops were deployed to northeastern Nigeria in February following an agreement between Washington and Abuja to strengthen cooperation against terrorist groups. The deployment followed US airstrikes in Nigeria’s Sokoto State in late December 2025, which President Donald Trump described as “powerful and deadly” strikes against Islamic State targets. Nigerian officials confirmed at the time that the country had provided intelligence for those strikes as part of ongoing security collaboration with the US. According to a US official who spoke to Reuters in February, approximately 200 American soldiers were sent to train Nigerian forces combating extremist groups, augmenting a smaller number of US personnel already on the ground. The deployment came amid pressure from Washington on Nigeria to act against militants in the country’s northwest, following Trump’s criticism that Nigeria had failed to protect Christians from attacks. The focus of the mission was on intelligence support, training, and counterterrorism operations, rather than establishing a permanent US combat presence in Nigeria.

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US and Nigerian officials have described the relatively small deployment as highly effective, particularly in improving intelligence sharing and supporting operations against Islamic State militants. The mission culminated in May with a major operational success. On May 15, US and Nigerian forces carried out a joint operation that killed Abu Bilal al-Minuki, described by US officials as the “global number two” leader of the Islamic State. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu confirmed the operation, stating that joint forces had struck al-Minuki’s residence in the Lake Chad Basin, killing the wanted militant and several of his deputies. Trump praised the mission as “carefully planned and extremely complex,” adding that the US had informants tracking al-Minuki’s movements. Following al-Minuki’s death, on May 17, Nigerian and US forces conducted multiple airstrikes in northeastern Borno State, killing more than 20 Islamic State militants who had been observed gathering and moving in the area. The US Africa Command stated that no American or Nigerian personnel were injured in those strikes, and that the operations had weakened the group’s ability to threaten US and allied security. US officials have described the Nigeria deployment as a potential model for future American security operations in Africa, based on a smaller and temporary military footprint focused on specific objectives. The operation against al-Minuki significantly weakened the group’s leadership in Nigeria and beyond, according to military assessments.

Despite the reported gains, terrorist attacks and other forms of insecurity have continued across Nigeria. Recent weeks have seen deadly assaults by gunmen in multiple parts of the country, as well as attacks on military installations in the northeast. The wider security situation encompasses a complex mix of threats, including attacks by Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province, banditry, kidnappings, communal violence, and other armed conflicts. Nigeria has repeatedly maintained that the country’s insecurity is complex and cannot be attributed to a single cause. While the US withdrawal is underway, military cooperation between Washington and Abuja is expected to continue through intelligence sharing and training provided by the smaller US teams that remain in Nigeria.

US to Withdraw 200 Troops from Nigeria as Counterterrorism Mission Winds Down

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This Is Not Christian Genocide – NSCIA, Says Borgu Attacks Show Nigeria Bleeds from All Sides

Published

13 hours ago

August 28, 2026

Trends Admin

This Is Not Christian Genocide – NSCIA, Says Borgu Attacks Show Nigeria Bleeds from All Sides

Nigeria’s top Islamic body says the attack on Muslim worshippers counters claims of Christian genocide, urging a collective national response to terrorism.

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has condemned in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks on four communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, where worshippers observing Jumu’at prayers were killed, injured, and abducted. The Islamic body also used the incident to challenge narratives that frame Nigeria’s security crisis as a genocide against Christians, arguing that the savagery against Muslims demonstrates the need for a unified national response.

The attacks, which occurred on Friday, August 21, 2026, affected Gbeji (Gidan-Zana), Kpenya, Giyan Gbasu and Dekara communities. In a statement issued on Wednesday and signed by its Public Affairs Officer, Abbas Jimoh, the NSCIA described the attacks as “heinous and barbaric.” The Council, under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, expressed deep distress that terrorists invaded the communities, unleashing violence and terror on defenceless residents.

The attack on Dekara was particularly disturbing, as assailants reportedly entered the Central Mosque while Muslims were observing Jumu’at prayers and abducted more than 60 people. According to the NSCIA, about 30 people were reportedly killed, while several others sustained injuries, some of them said to be life-threatening. Residents confirmed that terrorists simultaneously invaded Juma’at mosques in Dekara, Kpenya, Gbezhin and Sabon-Gida, whisking away dozens of worshippers. The Council added that dozens of victims were still being held captive, with the terrorists later releasing a video showcasing the captives and calling on survivors to identify their loved ones.

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The NSCIA considers the deliberate invasion of a mosque during Jumu’at prayers and the abduction of worshippers a heinous assault not only on innocent Nigerians but also a grievous attack on the sanctity of worship and the fundamental right of citizens to practise their faith without fear. The council argued that the incident showed the complexity of insecurity in the country and challenged narratives that portray the violence as being exclusively targeted at Christians. “This horrendous savagery against innocent Muslims observing the Jumu’ah prayer also points to the factual error that the insecurity in parts of the country is genocidal against Christians, which would hinder the much needed collective efforts to tackle the scourge,” the NSCIA declared.

The council questioned the ability of security agencies to prevent terrorists from repeatedly targeting vulnerable settlements, asking: “For how long will innocent Muslims in particular and Nigerians in general continue to be abducted and slaughtered in their communities while terrorists operate with such audacity?” According to the council, the latest attack was reportedly the third major attack on Dekara and neighbouring communities in recent times, with previous attacks forcing residents to abandon their ancestral homes and seek refuge in other communities in Niger and Kwara states and even across the border in the Republic of Benin.

The NSCIA also expressed concern that the latest incident occurred barely three weeks after security forces reportedly rescued 308 abducted persons from the Kainji Lake National Park forest. On August 5, 2026, Nigerian security forces rescued 163 persons abducted from Woro in Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara State and 145 persons from communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, including Kasuwan Daji, Konkonso and Pissa. The council said the rescue operation demonstrated what security forces could achieve when adequate resources, intelligence, coordination and political will were available. However, the renewed attacks raise deeply troubling questions about the reversal and sustainability of the gains made.

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The NSCIA consequently urged the Federal Government to move beyond what it described as episodic rescue operations and develop a permanent, intelligence-driven and community-centred security architecture. It called for an immediate review of security arrangements in Niger and Kwara states, particularly communities around the Kainji Lake National Park and forest corridors allegedly being used by terrorists. The Council noted that Niger State Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago had previously admitted that terrorists had taken over the Kainji National Park, from where they launch incessant attacks on communities within the Borgu kingdom. The NSCIA also demanded the immediate mobilisation of all available resources to locate and rescue every person still held captive following the August 21 attack, stressing that the rescue of these victims must be treated as an urgent national priority.

The council further urged security agencies to intensify aerial surveillance, intelligence gathering, early-warning systems and coordinated ground operations, insisting that forests and other difficult terrains being used as sanctuaries by terrorists must no longer be treated as inaccessible spaces. It called on state governments, traditional rulers, religious leaders and local communities to strengthen cooperation with security agencies and protect residents who provide actionable intelligence. The Council also advocated the proper regulation and integration of community vigilante structures operating within the law into broader early-warning and community-protection mechanisms.

Furthermore, the NSCIA called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Security Council, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Interior and other relevant security agencies to treat the Borgu attacks as a national emergency requiring coordinated intervention. President Tinubu has already directed the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and all relevant security and intelligence agencies to launch a coordinated rescue operation for the victims still in captivity, stating that “those who carried out this cowardly attack on defenceless Nigerians are enemies of peace and enemies of humanity, who will not go scot-free.” The Inspector General of Police has deployed a senior officer to coordinate the rescue efforts in collaboration with other security agencies.

Survivors of the attack are reportedly battling life-threatening injuries, with some having been brutally slaughtered rather than shot. The NSCIA extended condolences to families of those killed, prayed for the recovery of the injured and expressed solidarity with families whose loved ones remain in captivity. “We also stand in solidarity with the families whose loved ones remain in captivity and urge them not to lose hope,” it said. “Nigerians have every right to demand security, justice and accountability from those entrusted with protecting them.” The council also urged Muslims in Niger State and across the country to remain steadfast in their faith: “Let us be resolute and not be subdued by terror.”

“This Is Not Christian Genocide”: NSCIA Says Borgu Attacks Show Nigeria Bleeds from All Sides

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Nigeria’s External Reserves Hit $53.11bn, Nearing 17-Year Record High

Published

14 hours ago

August 28, 2026

Trends Admin

Nigeria’s External Reserves Hit $53.11bn, Nearing 17-Year Record High

Nigeria’s foreign reserves climb to $53.11 billion, the highest in 17 years, as CBN reforms and oil earnings boost dollar inflows.

Nigeria’s external reserves have surged to $53.11 billion as of August 24, 2026, marking the highest level in more than 17 years and bringing the country within touching distance of its all-time record. Data from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) shows that the reserves are now just $142 million short of the historic peak of $53.25 billion recorded on January 12, 2009. This milestone represents a significant recovery in the country’s external liquidity position and reflects the impact of recent policy reforms.

The reserve accumulation has gathered significant momentum since mid-2026, with the CBN data revealing a consistent upward trend. On June 3, 2026, reserves stood at $49.96 billion, but by July 3, they had increased to $51.53 billion. The reserves crossed the $52 billion mark on July 27 and climbed further to $52.86 billion by August 21, before reaching $53.11 billion on August 24. This represents a gain of approximately **$3.15 billion** between June 3 and August 24, underscoring the acceleration in dollar inflows over the past three months.

The sustained buildup in reserves has been supported by several factors, beginning with stronger oil earnings. Higher crude oil prices have boosted Nigeria’s primary source of foreign exchange, and the country’s oil export earnings have benefited from favourable market conditions, providing additional dollar liquidity. However, experts caution that this dependence on oil revenues remains a potential vulnerability if prices decline. In addition to oil earnings, the CBN‘s policy reforms have played a crucial role. Under Governor Olayemi Cardoso, the Central Bank has implemented a series of reforms over the past 34 months that have helped restore investor confidence and attract capital inflows. These include the unification and increased transparency of the foreign exchange market, banking sector recapitalisation to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of Nigerian banks, the launch of the non-resident Bank Verification Number (BVN) to connect Nigerians abroad with local banking services, the deployment of the B-Match system for foreign exchange trading, and the introduction of a 75 per cent Cash Reserve Ratio on non-Treasury Single Account public sector deposits to enhance liquidity management and curb inflationary risks. Speaking at a recent CBN Fair, Cardoso noted that the reforms have led to measurable results, including a narrowing of the gap between the official and Bureau de Change rates to below two per cent. Furthermore, the reforms have renewed investor confidence, attracting foreign portfolio inflows into the economy, and while much of these inflows have been into short-term instruments like Treasury bills, they have nonetheless provided support for the reserves by increasing dollar liquidity in the foreign exchange market.

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A stronger reserve position has several implications for the Nigerian economy, starting with an enhanced external buffer. At $53.11 billion, Nigeria’s reserves provide a larger cushion against external shocks and support the country’s capacity to meet its foreign obligations, which is particularly important for managing periods of heightened dollar demand and stabilising the currency. The current reserve level also offers more than **11 months of import cover**, substantially exceeding the international benchmark of three months, providing greater confidence in the country’s ability to finance essential imports. Additionally, the reserve buildup has coincided with relative stability in the foreign exchange market; the naira closed at **N1,343.59 to the dollar** on August 26, 2026, with foreign exchange market turnover at about **$235.99 million**. The reserve accretion also reflects improved macroeconomic management and supports the CBN’s broader objectives of containing inflation and promoting price stability, with headline inflation easing from 15.93 per cent in May to 15.91 per cent in June 2026 and further moderation expected.

While the reserve milestone is cause for optimism, analysts stress the importance of ensuring that the accumulation is sustainable, with the key test being whether the buildup is driven by stable and diversified sources of foreign exchange rather than temporary factors. Dr Jerry Igwilo, Chief Executive Officer of Nisela Capital Limited, noted that while higher crude oil prices have supported dollar earnings, the durability of the reserve accumulation would remain tied to oil revenues, capital inflows, and broader foreign exchange market conditions. Similarly, EBC Financial Group has warned that Nigeria’s reserves remain vulnerable to volatile portfolio inflows and the country’s continued dependence on oil, noting that much of the increase recorded recently has been driven by cyclical factors that could reverse if market conditions deteriorate. Analysts and experts have highlighted several factors that will be critical for sustaining the reserve buildup, including strengthening non-oil exports to diversify foreign exchange sources, attracting more foreign direct investment rather than just portfolio inflows, maintaining investor confidence in the naira and broader macroeconomic environment, implementing policies that support long-term economic growth and diversification, and ensuring consistent access to foreign exchange at market rates.

The $53.11 billion reserve position places Nigeria within touching distance of its 2009 peak, marking a significant strengthening of the country’s external liquidity position. For businesses, stronger reserves and improved FX liquidity could provide greater confidence around dollar availability, particularly for companies that depend on imported raw materials, machinery, and other inputs. For investors, a stronger external reserve position can help reduce concerns around currency liquidity and improve confidence in the naira and broader macroeconomic environment. However, as the CBN and policymakers look ahead, the focus must remain on ensuring that the reserve accumulation is supported by sustainable dollar inflows rather than temporary factors, and on implementing policies that promote long-term economic resilience and diversification.