UNICROSS ASUU Demands End to TETFund Misuse and Calls for Academic Reforms
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UNICROSS ASUU |
ASUU UNICROSS Raises Concerns Over Misuse of TETFund
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) branch, has voiced strong concerns about the alleged mismanagement of TETFund resources. The union emphasized that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) was established to support research, academic development, and infrastructural growth in Nigerian universities. Any diversion of these funds, they argued, undermines the original purpose of the TETFund Act.
During a solidarity rally in Calabar on Tuesday, ASUU-UNICROSS chairman, Dr. Patrick Ushie, called on both federal and state governments to honor their obligations to lecturers and safeguard academic integrity.
Key Demands by ASUU UNICROSS
The UNICROSS chapter aligned with the national leadership of ASUU and presented the following pressing demands:
- Immediate signing and implementation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN renegotiated agreement.
- Regular payment of salaries to lecturers across state-owned universities.
- Strict adherence to the TETFund Act to ensure proper allocation of funds.
- Payment of promotion arrears and full implementation of Earned Academic Allowances (EAA).
- Protection of university autonomy and academic freedom.
- Review of the NUC Act to correct identified lapses.
- End to victimization of ASUU members at institutions such as Kogi State University (Prince Abubakar Audu University), Lagos State University, and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri.
- Regularization of retirement benefits and settlement of unpaid Earned Academic Allowances at Abia State University (ABSU) and Ebonyi State University (EBSU).
“Solidarity for Academic Progress”
Speaking at the rally, Dr. Ushie stressed that solidarity was not merely about identical struggles but about standing together to drive progress.
“Solidarity is not about pretending our situations are identical, but about standing together so that progress anywhere becomes progress everywhere,” he noted.
The union reminded authorities that lecturers’ welfare and funding for research are non-negotiable if Nigeria’s education sector is to compete globally.
The Bigger Picture: Why TETFund Accountability Matters
TETFund remains a critical pillar in financing higher education in Nigeria. However, frequent allegations of misuse and poor management continue to limit its effectiveness. Proper allocation of these funds could:
- Enhance research capacity in Nigerian universities.
- Improve infrastructure and facilities for teaching and learning.
- Reduce brain drain by making Nigerian institutions globally competitive.
- Support postgraduate scholarships and innovations that can drive national development.
For more insights into how TETFund works and its impact on Nigerian education, you can visit the official TETFund website.
The ASUU-UNICROSS protest highlights ongoing challenges within Nigeria’s education system, especially the misuse of TETFund resources, irregular salary payments, and lack of commitment to academic agreements. If addressed, these issues could transform Nigeria’s universities into hubs of innovation, research, and excellence.
Education stakeholders, government agencies, and the wider Nigerian public must recognize that investing in education is investing in the nation’s future.
