The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has opposed the Federal Government’s plan to remove the education tax. The union called the move a threat to the survival of Nigerian universities.
ASUU President, Prof. Victor Osodeke, said the union would meet with Education Ministers Tunji Alausa and Suwaiba Ahmad to discuss the issue. He confirmed letters had been sent to the Senate President, the Presidency, and other stakeholders.
The proposed Nigeria Tax Bill 2024 seeks to reduce TETFund’s share of the education tax. By 2030, TETFund will receive no funding from the levy. Instead, the funds will go to other agencies, including NITDA and NASENI.
ASUU called the plan illegal. The union warned it would cripple TETFund’s role in funding infrastructure, research, and training in public universities. This cannot stand. Education needs funding to survive, Osodeke said.
The union also criticized the government for keeping academics on the IPPIS payroll system. ASUU insists the system is unsuitable for universities.
TETFund has supported Nigerian universities for over 25 years. ASUU says cutting its funding would undo years of progress. The union plans to resist any changes that undermine education and insists on urgent talks with the government.
