The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) faces a challenge as 137 students sponsored abroad for higher education refuse to return to Nigeria after completing their programs. Executive Secretary Sonny Echono revealed this during a House of Representatives investigation into the alleged mismanagement of N2.3tn tertiary education tax by TETFUND.
Echono emphasized the importance of the sponsored scholars returning to contribute to their country’s development, as required by the scholarship terms. To tackle this issue, TETFUND is working on stringent measures to ensure that students fulfill their obligations. If they fail to return, they may be declared persona non grata and face consequences, such as being unable to secure jobs in their host countries.
The exchange rate crisis further complicates matters, leading TETFUND to consider suspending foreign scholarships temporarily. With mounting challenges, the focus is shifting towards supporting local universities for specialized training, retaining resources within the country, and combating the misuse of public funds.
The probe aims to address the situation and protect the interests of Nigeria’s education sector.
Full story here.
