NANS Launches Nationwide Probe of Abandoned TETFund Projects

Students Launch Audit of TETFund Interventions Over Delivery Concerns

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commenced a nationwide investigation into projects funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), citing growing concerns over abandoned, delayed and poorly executed interventions in Nigeria's tertiary institutions. The student body announced a 90-day assessment exercise aimed at evaluating the implementation, quality and impact of TETFund-funded projects across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education nationwide.

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According to NANS, the initiative follows persistent complaints from students regarding infrastructure projects that have either been abandoned, delivered below standard or delayed beyond expected completion timelines. The association stated that the exercise is intended to improve transparency and accountability in the management of public funds allocated to higher education.

Independent Committee Constituted for Nationwide Assessment

To drive the exercise, NANS has established an Independent TETFund Intervention Project Assessment, Verification and Monitoring Committee. The committee will undertake physical inspections of projects in beneficiary institutions across the country and evaluate their level of completion, utilisation and overall impact on teaching, learning and student welfare.

NANS President, Akinteye Babatunde, said the decision was informed by increasing reports questioning whether TETFund projects are being executed as approved and whether students are benefiting from the interventions for which substantial public resources have been allocated.

According to the association, allegations involving project abandonment, substandard execution, delayed delivery and contractor-related irregularities have generated concern among stakeholders in the education sector and necessitated an independent review.

Focus on Accountability and Project Impact

The committee has been mandated to assess the implementation status, quality of delivery and practical impact of TETFund interventions within institutions. The review will cover infrastructure projects such as lecture theatres, laboratories, hostels and other facilities funded through the intervention agency.

According to NANS, the exercise goes beyond verifying whether projects have been completed. It will also determine whether completed projects are being effectively utilised and contributing to improvements in academic delivery and student experience.

The student body noted that strengthening accountability mechanisms is essential to ensuring that public investments in tertiary education translate into measurable improvements in infrastructure and learning outcomes.

Findings to Be Submitted Within 90 Days

NANS stated that the committee is expected to complete its nationwide review and submit a comprehensive report within 90 days. The findings and recommendations will be forwarded to the Presidency, the Federal Ministry of Education and other relevant stakeholders for consideration and possible action.

The association said the outcome of the investigation will also guide its future engagement with government agencies, institutional authorities and contractors involved in the implementation of TETFund projects.

NANS has called on tertiary institutions, TETFund officials, contractors and student leaders across the country to cooperate fully with the committee to ensure a transparent and credible assessment process.

TETFund's Role in Higher Education Development

Established by the Federal Government, TETFund serves as a major source of supplementary funding for public tertiary institutions through revenue generated from the education tax. The agency finances infrastructure projects, research initiatives, academic staff development programmes and institutional capacity-building efforts.

In January 2026, TETFund announced allocations amounting to ₦6.45 billion under its intervention programme, with funding earmarked for infrastructure development, research, innovation, ICT upgrades and the completion of ongoing projects across beneficiary institutions.

The agency also disclosed plans to commission more than 411 intervention projects across 271 institutions nationwide between June and September 2026, reflecting its continued role in supporting the development of public tertiary education infrastructure.

Despite these investments, concerns over abandoned projects, cost overruns, delayed delivery and project quality have persisted, prompting calls from students, education stakeholders and civil society organisations for stronger oversight and monitoring mechanisms.

Implications for Nigeria's Education Sector

The NANS initiative highlights growing demand for greater transparency in the management of education intervention funds. As public investment in tertiary education continues to increase, stakeholders are placing greater emphasis on project delivery, accountability and measurable outcomes.

Education experts argue that timely completion and proper utilisation of TETFund projects remain critical to improving learning environments, expanding research capacity and addressing infrastructure deficits across Nigeria's universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

The outcome of the nationwide assessment could influence future discussions around project monitoring, contractor accountability and the effectiveness of intervention funding in the education sector.

Outlook

The 90-day nationwide review launched by NANS represents one of the most extensive student-led assessments of TETFund interventions in recent years. By independently evaluating project implementation and impact, the association aims to strengthen accountability and ensure that public investments in tertiary education deliver their intended benefits.

As the committee begins inspections across the country, education stakeholders will closely monitor the findings, which could shape future reforms aimed at improving project execution, transparency and infrastructure development within Nigeria's tertiary education system.

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