The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced the suspension of its foreign scholarship programme for academic staff, effective 1 January 2025.
This decision, approved by the Board of Trustees, comes in response to escalating costs associated with foreign training and the increasing number of scholars failing to return after their programmes. The shift aims to redirect focus toward enhancing local capacity-building initiatives.
In a circular signed by the Executive Secretary, Arch. Sonny S. T. Echono, TETFund, outlined the objectives behind the policy change. The initiative seeks to:
- Reduce reliance on foreign exchange.
- Channel more resources into strengthening Nigerian tertiary institutions.
- Enhance professional development opportunities locally.
The fund has directed beneficiary institutions to concentrate on implementing local training programmes to ensure academic staff receive robust professional development within the country.
The Next Move of TETFund
Scholars already abroad under the TETFund foreign scholarship programme will continue receiving funding until the conclusion of their intervention periods. This provision ensures that ongoing commitments are honoured, preventing any disruptions to existing academic pursuits.
The policy shift underscores TETFund’s strategic focus on fostering sustainable growth in the country’s educational sector. The fund aims to develop a self-reliant academic workforce capable of advancing Nigeria’s tertiary education system by investing in local training programmes.
This adjustment represents a significant move toward reducing dependency on external resources while prioritising the long-term development of the nation’s educational institutions. Beneficiary institutions and academic staff are encouraged to embrace this opportunity to fortify local expertise and infrastructure.
