By Gabriella Ogbu
The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced significant reforms within the agency, resulting in the cessation of employing vendors and contractors for academic and professional staff training programs. This strategic shift, according to the Executive Secretary, has been a deliberate effort to enhance efficiency and cost-effectiveness in TETFund’s interventions.
In a recent statement, the Executive Secretary emphasized that the inclusion of vendors and contractors was deemed unnecessary in the content-focused initiatives of TETFund, which primarily encompass research and academic and professional staff training. Instead, the agency has transitioned to utilizing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), which offer a more flexible and efficient approach to service delivery while effectively cutting costs.
During the 2nd Registrars’ Workshop and 75th Business Meeting of the Association of Registrars of Nigerian Universities (ARNU) in Abuja, the Executive Secretary addressed concerns raised regarding TETFund’s procurement practices. He clarified that the agency has adhered to its core mission by executing capacity-building programs in beneficiary institutions through MoUs since 2016, thereby safeguarding billions of taxpayer dollars by eliminating intermediary costs.
Furthermore, the Executive Secretary underscored the distinction between infrastructure projects, which still utilize the traditional contract system, and content-based interventions, which now rely on MoUs. He highlighted specific MoUs, such as those with CAMPUS France and the Federation of African Research Associations (FARA) in Brazil, which have significantly reduced tuition expenses for Nigerian students and provided free tuition to scholars, respectively.
In addition, the Executive Secretary outlined other cost-saving measures facilitated by MoUs, including streamlined procurement processes for items like chalkboards through direct negotiations with manufacturers. He emphasized that these measures not only reduce costs but also ensure that the interests of students and academics are prioritized over profit-driven motives.
In conclusion, the Executive Secretary reaffirmed his commitment to fostering transparency and efficiency within TETFund, signaling a continued dedication to implementing reforms aimed at maximizing the agency’s impact in the Nigerian education sector.
