The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, expressed concern over the alarming number of Nigerian university lecturers sponsored abroad by TETFund who have absconded. Echono stated that TETFund would adopt both soft and hard measures to sanction the lecturers, including demanding a refund of the funds expended on them or repatriating them.
Speaking at the TETFund Management Retreat in Makurdi, Echono highlighted the abuse of opportunities given to lecturers, noting that the figures were comprehensive and reflected instances where lecturers either did not return or exceeded their bond period. He emphasized the need for accurate reporting, acknowledging the difficulty in obtaining precise figures.
Echono outlined the two measures TETFund is considering as a response to the issue. The first, a “soft landing,” involves requiring lecturers who have not returned to refund the full amount expended on their training. The second, a “harder” measure, involves collaboration with embassies, foreign institutions, and relevant authorities to take appropriate action against lecturers who have violated their visa terms.
He also mentioned that TETFund had disbursed over N400 billion to tertiary institutions in Nigeria, showcasing the fund’s substantial contribution to the education sector.
