The federal government has given the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) the green light to investigate vice-chancellors of public universities over alleged corruption in the management of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) allocations. The decision to allow ASUU to probe the VCs was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, who cited flagrant mismanagement of TETFund allocations by some vice-chancellors as the reason.
The probe is necessary, according to the president of ASUU, Prof Chris Piwuna, due to noticeable gaps in the management of TETFund allocations. TETFund was established in 1993 to rehabilitate, restore, and consolidate public tertiary education in Nigeria. The agency collects and manages a two percent education tax from companies to fund infrastructure, staff training, and research at public universities, polytechnics, and colleges.
The alleged mismanagement of TETFund allocations by some unscrupulous VCs is a recent phenomenon, caused by undue interference from top government officials outside the universities. Insiders claim that VCs are expected to play according to the rules by surrendering a percentage to cover outsource services in the name of consultants. This settlement syndrome has led to rampant corruption in the management of TETFund allocations.
The minister of education has expressed optimism that the probe will introduce accountability and transparency in the management of funds allocated to tertiary institutions. The government is ready to work with ASUU to promote accountability and transparency in the management of TETFund allocations.
The probe into TETFund allocations is a long-overdue move that should bring to book those who have mismanaged public funds meant for the development of Nigeria's tertiary education sector. The involvement of top government officials in the alleged corruption is a clear indication of the rot that has set in. The fact that some VCs are expected to surrender a percentage of the funds to cover outsource services is a clear case of corruption. This probe should serve as a wake-up call for those in positions of authority to take responsibility for the management of public funds. The Nigerian people deserve better, and it is time for accountability and transparency in the management of TETFund allocations.
