TETFUND Suspends Foreign Scholarship Component for Academic Staff Training



In a decisive move to address rising costs and systemic challenges associated with foreign scholarships, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) has announced the suspension of the foreign component of its TETFUND Scholarship for Academic Staff (TSAS) intervention. The directive, signed by Arc. Sonny S.T. Echono, the Executive Secretary of TETFUND dated November 25, 2024, is set to take effect from January 1, 2025. This policy change is in response to a combination of financial and structural issues, including Nigeria's persistent exchange rate volatility and an alarming rate of scholar abscondment, exacerbated by the nation's precarious economic conditions.

The rising cost of training academic staff abroad has been significantly impacted by Nigeria's unstable exchange rate. The Naira's depreciation against major currencies has made funding foreign scholarships unsustainable, creating a heavy burden on the country's foreign exchange reserves. As TETFUND relies on funds allocated for national development, the increasing cost of foreign training has diverted resources that could be used to strengthen domestic educational capacity.

In a related development, many scholars sent abroad on TETFUND sponsorship have failed to return to Nigeria upon completing their programs, a trend colloquially referred to as the “Japa syndrome.” In some cases, scholars abandon their studies midway, with some reportedly not even attending the institutions they were sent to. These incidents are often fueled by Nigeria's challenging economic environment, including high unemployment rates, insecurity, and limited career opportunities for returning academics. For some scholars, staying abroad offers a chance at better living conditions and stable employment, further contributing to the brain drain in the country’s higher education sector.

Key Points of the New Policy

i.          Focus on Local Training:
Beneficiary institutions are urged to prioritize academic staff training within Nigerian institutions. This shift aims to bolster local capacity, reduce pressure on Nigeria's foreign exchange reserves, and enhance domestic investment in education.

ii.          Current Scholars Unaffected:
Scholars already enrolled in foreign institutions will not be affected by this policy. They will continue to receive sponsorship support until they complete their respective programs.

 The Executive Secretary has directed all heads of beneficiary institutions, including Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts, to ensure the dissemination of this policy and facilitate its effective implementation. This bold policy adjustment reflects TETFUND’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s economic realities while maximizing the impact of its intervention programs. Stakeholders in the higher education sector are encouraged to align with this shift to build a stronger, more self-sufficient academic workforce. For further details or clarifications, stakeholders are encouraged to contact TETFUND through official channels.

Stay informed about updates from TETFUND and Nigeria's higher education sector.

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