The Benin Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has strongly opposed the proposed Nigeria Tax Reform Bill, expressing concerns that it could cripple public institutions in the country.
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the Zonal Coordinator, Prof. Monday Lewis Igbafen, representing nine universities in the region, highlighted Section 59(3) of the Tax Bill (NTB) 2024, which states that only 50% of the Development Levy would go to the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in 2025, with the remaining funds allocated to NITDA, NASENI, and NELFUND.
This provision would further decrease TETFund’s share to 66% in 2027, 2028, and 2029, and result in zero funding from 2030 onwards.
Igbafen expressed alarm over the potential long-term effects, warning that this change would severely affect public education, as TETFund plays a critical role in infrastructure development, postgraduate training, and research in Nigerian universities.
“As a union of intellectuals, we reject this tax reform bill, especially its attempt to diminish the vital role of TETFund in the development of tertiary education,” Igbafen stated.
“TETFund has been the cornerstone of progress in Nigerian higher education, driving improvements in manpower, infrastructure, and academic excellence.”
The ASUU leader also lamented the unresolved issues from the 2009 FGN/ASUU Agreement and expressed concern over the bill’s proposed elimination of TETFund by 2030.
He warned that the end of TETFund would undermine the progress made in repositioning Nigeria’s universities for global recognition and advancement.
He further criticized the government for its insufficient budget allocation to education, pointing out that, despite the United Nations’ recommended 26% benchmark for education funding, Nigeria’s allocation has remained between 5% and 7%, with the 2025 budget retaining just 7% for education.
ASUU is calling for widespread resistance against the bill, urging Nigerians to stand against what they view as a threat to the survival of public tertiary education in the country.
