Colleges of Education Union Rejects Tax Bill Impact on TETFund
The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) has expressed strong opposition to the Federal Government’s proposed tax reform bill, warning that it threatens the future of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
In a statement issued by COEASU’s President, Dr. Smart Olugbeko, the union described the bill as a harmful move that would undermine public tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The union particularly rejected provisions in the reform that would restrict or withdraw funding sources for TETFund, calling it a dangerous attempt to “kill” the fund.
TETFund, which was established through the advocacy of academic staff unions like ASUU, has played a vital role in improving infrastructure in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
Before its creation, the sector struggled with inadequate facilities and resources. COEASU emphasized that the federal government has shown little commitment to the education sector, and the proposed tax reform risks exacerbating the situation by limiting financial support for public institutions.
The union also raised concerns that the tax reform would transform public tertiary institutions into capitalistic ventures, driven by private investment rather than public good.
COEASU fears that this shift would lead to the gradual commercialization of education, putting the quality and accessibility of education in jeopardy. There is also a growing suspicion that the political elite may be seeking to dismantle public institutions to make way for privately owned institutions, similar to the neglect seen in primary and secondary education.
In its statement, COEASU urged the Federal Government to seek alternative revenue sources to support TETFund’s crucial work in Nigerian tertiary institutions. The union called on the government to strengthen, not weaken, the fund, as it remains an essential pillar for the development and sustainability of public education in the country.
