The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has voiced strong opposition to the proposed Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, warning that its implementation could have disastrous consequences for public universities nationwide.
During a press conference held in Jos, the Bauchi State zone of ASUU raised significant concerns about the bill, which they believe threatens the future of tertiary education in Nigeria.
The Zonal Coordinator of ASUU, Professor Namo Timothy, expressed serious reservations about the bill’s intention to replace the Development Levy—a crucial funding source for the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund)—with the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
Timothy stated, “The bill seeks to enact a new law and abrogate the Education Tax. If passed into law, it will replace the Development Levy, a major source of funding for TETFund projects, so that all funds generated from the Education Tax will be ceded to the newly established Nigeria Education Loan Fund. This is dangerous and unpatriotic.”
Timothy further explained the phased allocation changes outlined in the bill, which could significantly reduce funding for TETFund. He highlighted that:
Between 2025 and 2026, TETFund would receive only 50% of Development Levy proceeds, with the rest allocated to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), and NELFUND.
From 2027 to 2029, TETFund’s share would increase slightly to 66.7%.
By 2030, TETFund would receive no funding at all, with all proceeds redirected to NELFUND.
Timothy described this scenario as a “toxic” development that would cripple TETFund, which has been the backbone of infrastructure development, postgraduate training, and research in public universities since its inception in 1993.
“This portends danger for the survival of TETFund and, consequently, the Nigerian tertiary education system. Why would the federal government want to dismantle such a vital institution?” Timothy asked.
The Bauchi ASUU zone includes six institutions: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Federal University Kashere, Gombe State University, Plateau State University, University of Jos, and Sa’adu Zungur University. The union urged the National Assembly to abandon the bill and protect the TETFund Act of 2011.
In addition, Timothy called on Nigerians to resist what he referred to as “anti-people policies” of the current administration. “This is a call to action for every Nigerian. We cannot allow policies that jeopardise the future of our education system and our youths to prevail,” he added.
