JAPA: Over 137 students sponsored abroad absconded — TETFUND

  • Post category:Education

According to the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), over 137 students sponsored abroad by the fund have refused to return to Nigeria after completing their programs. This issue was brought to light during the appearance of the Executive Secretary before the House of Representatives Ad-hoc committee investigating the alleged mismanagement of N2.3tn tertiary education tax by TETFund.

Echono, the Executive Secretary, emphasized that these scholars were sponsored by TETFund for higher education abroad, but they failed to fulfill their obligation of returning to the country after completing their studies. The scholarship program requires scholars to come back to Nigeria and have a guarantor who will be held responsible for the funds expended if the scholar absconds. However, this approach has not been effective in compelling them to return.

TETFund is currently working with relevant stakeholders to devise stringent and effective measures against those who refuse to return. They are considering actions such as declaring them “persona non grata” and notifying their countries’ embassies of their status as fugitives. This hard stance is deemed necessary as the number of absconders is alarmingly high.

Echono mentioned that due to the exchange rate crisis, TETFund may suspend foreign scholarships. The foreign taxes paid to TETFund in foreign currencies present challenges when paying fees for scholars abroad. They are considering redirecting resources towards local training in experienced, first-generation universities, and specialized institutions within the country to cope with forex fluctuations.

Regarding the alleged mismanagement of funds, Echono denied the accusations, stating that the federal government still owes TETFund N371.3 billion, and they have repaid N46 billion so far.

The chairman of the committee, Oluwole Oke, clarified that the investigation aims to prevent the misuse of public funds and is not intended to witch-hunt anyone.

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