TETFund-Sponsored Nigerian Scholars Omitted from Bailout Funds

Many Nigerian scholars sponsored by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) abroad have been omitted from the disbursement of a N3.8 billion bailout meant for 1,500 scholars. The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, announced the bailout in May, aimed at assisting scholars abroad since 2017. However, many scholars have not received funds, despite severe financial hardships.

Kamal A. Odunjo-Saka, Chairman of the scholars, noted that TETFund claimed some scholars were unqualified based on program status, despite initial agreements indicating no segregation. Scholars who completed their programs in 2022 received funds, while ongoing and recently completed scholars did not.

The scholars appealed to President Tinubu to intervene and ensure fair disbursement. They highlighted that the bailout was designed to mitigate the effects of COVID-19, Naira devaluation, and inflation. The omission has left many scholars in debt and battling depression. The scholars urged the president to address the issue promptly.