Wike, AGF seek amendment of TETFund Act to include Law School

Minister of Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike and the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, have jointly called for the amendment of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Act 2021 (as amended) to incorporate the Nigeria Law School as one of its beneficiaries.

The duo spoke  on Monday in Abuja at the flag-off ceremony of the Design and Construction of 10 Staff Quarters for the Nigerian Law School Bwari, Abuja and presentation of vehicles to the Law School Management.

Fagbami highlighted the unique status of the Nigerian Law School, stating it cannot be classified simply as a university or an ordinary institution. He called for an amendment of the TETFUND to include the law school as a university eligible for funding, emphasising its distinct role among educational institutions.

“One thing about the law school is maybe because of the placement, you cannot really place the Nigerian law school as a university or as an ordinary institution. I said this because if you look at the law setting up TETFUND, the Nigerian law school is not included. And I think the time has come that an amendment should be made to include the Nigerian law school as a university that can take, you know, benefit from TETFUND. There are other institutions, but I think Nigerian Law School stands out.”

Fagbemi urged individuals of means to come to the aid of the school which he said has various campuses across the country.

According to him, the issue of accommodation is very important. “If the staff do not have where they will sleep, it will affect their minds and the quality of the students they turn out,” the AGF added.

While commending the FCT minister for his impactful projects for the Judiciary, the Attorney General highlighted the minister’s consistent support since his days as governor of Rivers State. He remarked that the former governor is known for his transparency, excellence in execution of projects and clarity regarding his positions on various issues.

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“Whether or not you like him, you cannot dispute the fact that he is a performer. He is one person where you know where he stands. He does not pretend. He is one person who also does not abandon projects. At the Federal Executive Council FEC meetings, he will always advocate that you don’t start a project if you don’t have the money to complete it. And he is a man of taste and quality.”

In response to the inclusion of the Nigeria Law School in TETFUND, Wike expressed urgency for amending the fund’s regulations to support the institution. He stated, “It is getting too late for the amendment of the TETFUND so that the law school can be included for funding.”

Emphasising its status as a professional training school, he pledged full support for this initiative, asserting that such recognition would significantly enhance infrastructure funding. He added that a review of the law school’s budget would reveal its dire financial situation, prompting laughter at its inadequacy.

“Attorney General, I want to say it is getting too late for the amendment of the TETFUND in order for the general law school to be included for the funding. This is a professional training school, so we will give you all the necessary support that that fund should be amended for the law school to benefit from it as a special intervention fund. If that happens, I’m sure you will see that the difference will be clear. They will have money to provide infrastructure. If we can check their budget, you will laugh.“

He recalled what the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Judiciary, who represented the chairman at an earlier event, said, where he expressed a strong commitment to supporting the judiciary. He urged, “According to him, he used the word jack. He said they jack the budget up. Please I want to also send this message, try and jack up that of the Nigerian law school so that they can have adequate funding.“

He praised the leadership at the law school, noting that their professionalism attracts much-needed support.

The FCT Minister also made a commitment to improve accommodations for law students, stating, “I saw something that looked like a hostel and questioned how it could serve as housing for lawyers in training.”

He announced plans to allocate funding in the 2025 budget for the construction of separate hostels for male and female students. Wike emphasized his determination to enhance the legal profession’s infrastructure, asserting, “If anyone is angry with us, let them wait for their turn. I will not be intimidated.” He reiterated the importance of contributing to his constituency and ensuring quality training for future legal professionals.

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Wike expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support.  “It’s one thing to receive an appointment; it’s another to get full support,” highlighting that every request he made for effective governance was met positively by the President.

Wike emphasized that Tinubu views governance as a business, aiming for progress and positive impact on the people. He credited the President’s foresight in enabling financial independence for the FCT, which has led to significant infrastructure improvements. Wike concluded by thanking Tinubu for his essential backing in advancing the capital’s development.

The Construction of 10 Staff Quarters for the Nigerian Law School Bwari, Abuja, funded by the FCT Administration, whixh include furnishings, ancillary services, and landscaping, are set to be completed in six months, according to the contractor, instead of the originally planned nine months due to the availability of funds.

The FCT minister also donated three coaster buses and four Hilux vehicles to the law school.

Chairman of the Council of Legal Education (CLE) in Nigeria, Emeka Ngige, addressed the recent eviction of 20 staff members from their official residences in Lagos. This eviction followed a 2011 High Court judgment that excluded the CLE from proceedings, leading to significant distress among staff.

Ngige expressed that the handover of vehicles and the commencement of new staff quarters have provided a much-needed psychological uplift to the management and staff, who are still reeling from the December 7 eviction. “This development has brought some relief, but we must acknowledge the ongoing struggles faced by our colleagues in Lagos,” he stated.

The evicted staff were removed from their homes at No. 213, Igbosere Road, Lagos, after a warrant of possession was executed.

Ngige lamented that the matter was conducted without involving the CLE as a party, despite efforts to contest the ruling at various judicial levels. “The painful aspect is that our council was not included in this process, leaving us powerless to defend our rights,” he noted.

Ngige warned that unless urgent accommodation solutions are found for the affected families, academic activities at the Lagos campus could be severely disrupted. He appealed to both the Federal Government and Lagos State authorities for immediate assistance: “We urge them to come to our aid and address this pressing issue of accommodation for our staff.”

During his speech, Ngige also acknowledged the contributions of the Federal Capital Territory’s Minister towards enhancing legal education infrastructure. “History will record your excellency as a significant contributor to the growth of the legal profession in Nigeria,” he remarked, praising ongoing support for infrastructural development.

As part of efforts to improve security and facilities at the Nigerian Law School, Ngige highlighted recent enhancements implemented since the minister took office.

Wike, AGF seek amendment of TETFund Act to include Law School