In a stern warning, the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, declared that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) would cease funding any Center of Excellence that fails to meet performance standards set eight years ago.
Mamman emphasized that the government would not tolerate lethargy by providing financial support to institutions that fail to fulfill their mandates.
Speaking at the reception of two reports from TETFund’s ad hoc committees, Mamman stressed the importance of scholars delivering world-class research and skills development. He reiterated that funds would only be allocated to institutions demonstrating tangible progress and commitment to excellence.
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Echoing the minister’s sentiments, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc Sonny Echono, highlighted the need for accountability and efficiency in resource allocation. He emphasized that funds allocated to non-performing centers would be redirected to institutions showing tangible results.
Echono acknowledged the success of some centers in fostering innovation and research, citing examples such as the development of a Covid vaccine in partnership with other institutions. However, he expressed concern over the lack of progress in certain institutions, urging them to refocus and meet their objectives within a specified timeframe.
The reports presented by the committees outlined recommendations for improving the performance of TETFund-funded institutions. They suggested measures such as providing bailout funds to struggling centers, ensuring direct disbursement of funds to center accounts, and implementing full-time assignments for center directors.
Additionally, the committees proposed a regional approach to TETFund’s Special Intervention program for polytechnics, with recommendations for institutions in each zone based on preparedness and readiness to benefit from the initiative.
Overall, the government’s stance underscores its commitment to promoting excellence and accountability in higher education, signaling a new era of scrutiny and performance-driven funding allocation.
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