The federal government has directed all tertiary institutions to submit detailed reports of unutilised Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) allocations within 30 days, warning that idle funds may be withdrawn and reassigned to priority projects.
Education Minister Tunji Alausa issued the directive today in Abuja during a meeting with heads of tertiary institutions, reports The Guardian.
He said the measure aims to address delays and inefficiencies that have left significant funds unused despite mounting infrastructure and academic needs.
“Institutions must submit reconciled reports of all unutilised funds within 30 days. Unused allocations may be redirected, and rollovers without strong justification will no longer be allowed,” Alausa said.
He added that capacity-building and mentorship programmes would be launched to improve project management, reporting, and compliance, while quarterly reviews would monitor utilisation.
The ministry also plans to introduce a public dashboard displaying disbursement and utilisation data to promote transparency.
TETFund, which provides financial intervention for infrastructure, research, and staff training, has repeatedly expressed concern over the slow pace of fund utilisation by universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
In July, the agency threatened to delist institutions that fail to access or properly utilise their allocations, warning that funds would be redirected to compliant schools.
Alausa emphasised that effective use of TETFund resources is vital to addressing Nigeria’s education challenges, urging all stakeholders to act with urgency and accountability.
