TETFund Suspends Foreign Scholarship For Academic Staff
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The Board of Trustees of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced the suspension of the foreign component of its Scholarship for Academic Staff (TSAS) intervention, citing the rising cost of foreign education and the growing issue of scholars absconding while studying abroad.
In a circular dated November 25, 2024, and signed by TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arc. Sony S.T. Echono, the fund emphasised that beneficiary institutions should now focus on meeting their academic staff training needs within Nigeria.
This shift, effective from January 14, 2025, aims to alleviate pressure on the country’s foreign exchange reserves, promote local academic development, and boost investment in Nigerian institutions.
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The new policy will allow scholars currently enrolled in foreign institutions to continue receiving their sponsorship until the completion of their programmes.
However, any new applicants or institutions seeking support from TETFund for academic staff training abroad will no longer be eligible for funding under the foreign component.
The circular urged all Vice Chancellors, Rectors, and Provosts of beneficiary institutions to inform their academic staff of this change and ensure strict adherence to the new guidelines.
TETFund expects the suspension to result in a significant increase in the number of beneficiaries within local institutions, which could lead to a stronger and more sustainable academic environment in Nigeria.
