The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has constituted an independent committee to assess, monitor and verify projects executed under the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) across the country.
The move, according to a press statement signed by NANS national president, Comrade Akinteye Babatunde Afeez, is aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and value for money in the implementation of interventions in tertiary institutions.
The student body said it had observed the federal government’s consistent commitment to the revitalisation and development of the education sector through sustained intervention funding from TETFund.
It said, “Over the years, billions of naira have been injected into tertiary institutions across the country for the provision of infrastructure, academic facilities, research support, capacity building and other developmental projects aimed at improving the quality of education for Nigerian students.
“However, concerns have continued to emanate from various quarters regarding the level of utilisation and impact of these interventions.
“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.
“These concerns have generated widespread public outcry and raised critical questions about the actual impact of TETFund interventions on students and the educational system,” he said.
The committee is mandated to undertake a comprehensive nationwide tour of tertiary institutions across Nigeria to assess, verify and monitor the status of TETFund intervention projects.
It shall also evaluate the level of implementation, utilisation, quality of delivery, and overall impact of these projects on students and host institutions.
The committee is expected to submit its findings and recommendations within ninety (90) days.
The report, NANS said, shall guide its leadership on the next line of action towards establishing the true state of TETFund intervention impacts on Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
Furthermore, the recommendations arising from the committee’s report shall be transmitted to the Presidency, the Federal Ministry of Education, and other relevant stakeholders for necessary action.
The committee is headed by Comrade Salahudeen Lukman, Gambo Abubakaras secretary and five other members.