The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has commenced a comprehensive 90-day nationwide review of projects funded by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), amid growing concerns over allegations of abandoned projects, poor execution, delayed delivery, and substandard implementation in tertiary institutions across the country.
The student body said the initiative was prompted by increasing reports and public complaints regarding the quality and completion status of several TETFund-funded interventions in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
In a statement issued on Sunday, NANS noted that allegations involving some contractors responsible for executing TETFund projects had raised serious questions about accountability, value for money, and the overall effectiveness of government investments in the education sector.
According to the association, the review exercise is aimed at independently verifying the condition and status of projects executed under the intervention agency and determining whether the facilities are delivering the intended benefits to students and institutions.
As part of the exercise, a specially constituted committee will embark on inspection visits to tertiary institutions across the country to assess completed, ongoing, and reportedly abandoned projects.
“The committee shall evaluate the level of implementation, utilisation, quality of delivery and overall impact of these projects on students and host institutions,” the statement partly read.
NANS explained that beyond identifying challenges, the review would provide an opportunity to measure the real impact of TETFund interventions on teaching, learning, research, infrastructure development, and student welfare.
The association emphasized that the exercise is not intended to undermine the achievements of the intervention agency but rather to strengthen transparency, accountability, and effective management of public resources allocated to higher education.
Education stakeholders have repeatedly expressed concerns over cases where projects approved and funded under various intervention schemes remain incomplete years after commencement, while some completed projects have been criticised for poor workmanship and inadequate maintenance.
NANS said its findings would help provide an independent perspective on the situation and contribute to ongoing efforts aimed at improving project delivery within Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
The committee is expected to submit a detailed report at the end of the 90-day review period. The report will contain observations, recommendations, and proposed measures for addressing identified shortcomings.
According to the association, the outcome of the exercise will guide future engagements with relevant authorities and stakeholders in the education sector.
The final report will also be forwarded to the Presidency, the Federal Ministry of Education, TETFund management, and other relevant institutions for necessary action.
With billions of naira invested annually in infrastructure, academic development, research, and institutional support through TETFund, the review is expected to shine a spotlight on the effectiveness of intervention projects and reinforce calls for greater accountability in the management of education funds.
The exercise comes at a time when stakeholders are increasingly demanding improved oversight of public projects to ensure that investments in tertiary education translate into tangible improvements in learning environments and academic outcomes for Nigerian students
