The Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU has sent a message to the National Assembly on the controversial tax reform bills.
ASUU urged NASS to reject any provision of the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024 that undermines the effectiveness and existence of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund.
ASUU Coordinator, Akure Zone, Prof. Adeola Egbedokun, made the call on Tuesday at a news conference held at the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo.
Egbedokun said TETFund has played a pivotal role in repositioning Nigeria’s tertiary education for global competitiveness and development.
“Stakeholders in the education sector and the general public should join forces in safeguarding TETFund. Its survival is not merely an educational concern but a matter of national importance.
“ASUU firmly resolves not to remain silent as TETFund has faced threats of diminution or elimination.
“TETFund is a monumental achievement of the union’s constructive engagement with successive Nigerian governments since 1992.
“Any attempt, whether intentional or otherwise, to repeal the TETFund Act 2011 would constitute a profound disservice, not only to the education sector, but to the nation as a whole,” he said.
According to him, safeguarding TETFund is vital to securing the future of education and fostering sustainable national development.
DAILY POST reports that TETFund is a scheme established by the Federal Government in 2011 to disburse, manage, and monitor education tax to government-owned tertiary institutions in Nigeria.