The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has declared the halt of the international segment of its TETFund Scholarship for Academic Staff (TSAS) Intervention, commencing January 1, 2025.
This choice, detailed in a correspondence dated November 25, 2024, and endorsed by TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, points to the rising expenses of overseas education and a growing trend of scholars absenting as the justification for the halt. The correspondence was directed to leaders of beneficiary institutions, including vice chancellors, rectors, and provosts.
“In light of the current exorbitant expenses associated with education in foreign establishments, along with the elevated frequency of scholars going missing, the Board of Trustees of the Fund has sanctioned the cessation of the international segment of the TSAS Intervention,” the correspondence articulated.
TETFund has urged beneficiary institutions to emphasize domestic training within Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. This transition, according to Echono, is intended to alleviate strain on foreign currency, amplify local competency, and substantially elevate the number of beneficiaries.
“It is anticipated that this will conserve and alleviate stress on the foreign exchange rate, enhance investment and local skills in our institutions while significantly increasing the number of individuals benefiting from the intervention,” Echono noted.
However, scholars already enrolled in foreign institutions under the TSAS programme will maintain their sponsorship until they finalize their studies, ensuring a seamless transition for ongoing obligations.