OOU Vice-Chancellor Appeals for Continued TETFund Support for Nigerian Universities
Ago-Iwoye, Nigeria – [May 13, 2025] – The Vice-Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Professor Ayodeji Agboola, has made a compelling appeal to the Federal Government and education stakeholders to sustain the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) as a critical pillar for the development of Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
During a recent project inspection visit to OOU by the Chairman of the South-West Zone of the TETFund Board of Trustees, Mr. Sunday Adepoju, Professor Agboola emphasized that TETFund and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) should coexist rather than compete, noting that both institutions serve distinct and complementary roles in advancing education.
“Without TETFund, many public universities might not have survived. It has been instrumental in infrastructure, staff development, and academic capacity building. Replacing it or reducing its funding would be counterproductive,” the Vice-Chancellor stated.
Highlighting his personal experience, Prof. Agboola revealed that TETFund sponsored his PhD at the University of Nottingham, a testament to the Fund’s role in building a world-class academic workforce. He added that many other scholars at OOU have benefited from TETFund-supported conferences, trainings, and research initiatives.
He further disclosed that most infrastructure at OOU, including those at its satellite campuses, have been built through TETFund and Needs Assessment interventions.
“In a university that receives up to 35,000 applications annually but can only admit 7,000 due to space and resource constraints, TETFund’s role is irreplaceable,” he said. “If NELFUND focuses on student loans without supporting infrastructure development, it will lead to a serious imbalance.”
Prof. Agboola also used the occasion to urge the Federal Government to reconsider its stance on banning overseas training for Nigerian scholars, arguing that global exposure remains vital for developing competitive academic personnel.
TETFund Board Commends OOU’s Project Implementation
In his response, Mr. Sunday Adepoju commended the University Management for its efficient utilization of TETFund allocations, stating that OOU is setting an example of transparency, commitment, and performance in the use of taxpayer funds.
“We are impressed with what we’ve seen. There are no abandoned or unaccessed projects. You have maximized the interventions, and this will surely encourage more support from TETFund going forward,” Adepoju remarked.
He reiterated the Board’s readiness to facilitate further developmental projects for institutions that show responsible fund management, adding that OOU stands as a model among state-owned universities.
A Unified Path Forward
Professor Agboola concluded by stressing that Nigeria’s development depends heavily on the quality of its universities, and urged the government to strengthen both TETFund and NELFUND to address the diverse needs of students and institutions.
“No nation develops beyond the quality of its graduates. While student loans are essential, they must be supported by investments in infrastructure, equipment, and personnel. Both agencies must be supported to function effectively.”
