TETFund Scraps Vendor Contracts in Educational Reforms
By Matthew Eloyi
In a bid to enhance transparency and efficiency in educational interventions, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced the elimination of vendor contracts from its academic and professional staff training programs.
Executive Secretary Sonny Echono made this declaration during a press briefing at the 2nd Registrars’ Workshop and 75th Business Meeting of the Association of Registrars of Nigerian Universities (ARNU) in Abuja.
Responding to recent allegations of questionable contracts amounting to N7.6 billion, Echono clarified that TETFund has been utilizing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) since 2016 for its training initiatives. He emphasized that the agency sponsors individuals for postdoctoral research, academic degrees, and professional certifications, aiming to enhance employability.
Echono highlighted strategic partnerships, such as the recent agreement with CAMPUS France, which resulted in a 20% reduction in tuition fees for Nigerian scholars. Additionally, collaborations with institutions like the Federation of African Research Association (FARA) in Brazil have expanded educational opportunities while saving costs.
Furthermore, Echono emphasized the importance of MoUs over contracts in educational endeavors, asserting that contracts primarily focus on profit, whereas MoUs prioritize mutual benefits and intellectual growth. By eliminating middlemen and engaging directly with copyright owners, TETFund has achieved significant savings and enhanced the integrity of educational institutions.
The reforms undertaken by TETFund underscore a commitment to fostering a conducive learning environment and ensuring the efficient allocation of resources in Nigeria’s educational sector.