New TETFUND stringent policies

 Even though, academic staff training and development (AST&D) is one of the cardinal mandate, most important and perhaps most potent weapon for the advancement of education. This is when compared to the with other TETFUND mandates; Provision of instructional materials and equipment, Research and publication,  and any other need which in the opinion of the […]

 Even though, academic staff training and development (AST&D) is one of the cardinal mandate, most important and perhaps most potent weapon for the advancement of education. This is when compared to the with other TETFUND mandates; Provision of instructional materials and equipment, Research and publication,  and any other need which in the opinion of the board of trustees is critical and essential for the improvement of quality and maintenance of standards in higher educational institutions. The AST&D is the main reason for the creation of TETFUND in the agreement signed between the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and federal government. Although, the other TETFUND cardinals are also important, but they are not as important as AST&D, because without the AST&D, the other cardinals cannot stand on their own and will remain empty and unproductive. Iconic edifices, such as structures are good for beautifying the university and making teaching and learning conducive, but without AST&D, is like “building a castles in the air”. Perhaps without AST&D there may be no learning as buildings alone cannot educate and support learning, to me they are only facilitators to learning but the AST&D is a necessary element. But the current TETFUND boss thinks otherwise, by giving undue priority to iconic edifices to the detriment of AST&D scholars. 

Reasons; As at now there are over 500 scholars, studying either Masters or PhDs, that are currently stranded in overseas, no TETFUND allocation and unattended to by their institutions in some cases, as a result of these policies. What kind of policies are these! Even though, these scholars are by right supposed to be beneficiaries of the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 allocations, they are yet to receive a dime! Reason new TETFUND Policies! These scholars submitted their applications in 2014, 2015 and 2016 and the allocations were released, with   the   usual   one   year delay. 2014/2015 allocation was released by TETFUND in January, 2016, and 2015/2016 allocation in February, 2017. These allocations, as I guess, are now in fixed deposit account accruing interest to the detriment of the scholars, but the concerned authorities seem to be quite.

It has been established that the TETFUND boss is going around, meeting some stake holders and telling them that, those scholars start their programmes without approval. This is not true, five hundred (500) scholars is a reasonable number, and I think there is no place on earth that 500 academic staffs from various institutions of learning, mostly pursuing PhD, will start their programmes either in Nigeria or abroad without approval from their respective institutions.

My message here is, the concern authorities as I guess are wiser and smarter than the TETFUND boss, therefore, they should ignore his propaganda and come to the aid of the stranded scholars, especially those in overseas countries. 

Lawal Danjuma [email protected]