The Benin Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has criticized the proposed Nigeria Tax Reform Bill 2024, warning it could dismantle public education in the country by phasing out the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
Speaking at a press briefing, the Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Monday Lewis Igbafen, stated that the bill’s Section 59(3) proposes a gradual reduction in TETFund allocations, starting with 50% in 2025 and reaching zero by 2030. He described the proposal as a direct attack on the foundation of public education.
“TETFund has been pivotal in the transformation of tertiary institutions, contributing to infrastructure development, postgraduate training, and research. Its planned elimination would severely impact the education sector,” he said.
Prof. Igbafen called on Nigerians to resist the bill, noting that the government’s inadequate allocation to education already falls far below the United Nations’ recommendation of 26%. He added that the Tinubu administration’s retention of a 7% allocation in the 2025 budget underscores its lack of commitment to education.
The union expressed concern that this reform would reverse the progress made in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions and jeopardize their global relevance. It urged all stakeholders to take a stand to protect the future of education in the country.
