ASUU moves to probe VCs over use of TETFund allocations, FG backs accountability

n n

By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

n

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has announced plans to scrutinise the management of funds allocated to public universities through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), citing concerns over accountability and utilisation of the interventions.

n

ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja during the public presentation of 72 TETFund-sponsored academic textbooks.

n

According to him, the union has observed lapses in the supervision and utilisation of some TETFund interventions and intends to review how the funds have been managed in universities across the country.

n

Piwuna said the move aims to promote transparency and ensure that allocations meant for critical projects are properly utilised.

n

“Yes, there has been significant funding provided to universities in recent years. However, it is important to ensure that such funds are effectively utilised for the purposes they were intended,” he said.

n

He added that ASUU would soon conduct a comprehensive review of TETFund-supported projects and interventions in universities.

n

The ASUU president also expressed concern about the performance of several Centres of Excellence funded through TETFund, noting that some of them may not be delivering outcomes that match the level of investment.

n

He said the recent addition of six new Centres of Excellence to the existing 30 highlights the need for closer oversight and evaluation of their activities.

n

“We believe there should be closer scrutiny of how TETFund interventions are implemented, especially in the Centres of Excellence, to ensure that the objectives of the programme are achieved,” he said.

n

Responding, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, welcomed ASUU’s position and expressed the Federal Government’s readiness to work with the union to strengthen transparency and accountability in the management of funds allocated to tertiary institutions.

n

Alausa emphasised the importance of responsible financial management in universities and called for stronger oversight mechanisms to ensure that public funds are used appropriately.

n

He assured that the government would continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to improve accountability in the utilisation of TETFund resources.

n n