TETFund Suspends Foreign Scholarship Scheme Amid Rising Costs

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced the suspension of its foreign scholarship program for academic staff, effective January 1, 2025. Abdulmumin Oniyangi, TETFund’s spokesperson, attributed the decision to the rising cost of training in foreign institutions and the increasing rate of scholars absconding after receiving funding.

In a statement on Thursday, Oniyangi clarified that scholars currently enrolled in foreign institutions will be allowed to complete their programs and continue receiving funding until the end of their studies.

“The Board of Trustees of TETFund has approved the suspension of the foreign component of the TETFund Scholarship for Academic Staff (TSAS) Intervention. This decision addresses the excessive costs of foreign training and aims to reduce the strain on Nigeria’s foreign exchange,” Oniyangi said.

The move is expected to redirect resources towards building local capacity in Nigerian tertiary institutions and increasing the number of scholarship beneficiaries within the country. By focusing on domestic investment, TETFund hopes to strengthen Nigeria’s educational infrastructure while conserving valuable foreign exchange reserves.