The decision of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), to suspend foreign scholarships for academic staff of beneficiary tertiary institutions, has continued to generate significant attention and discussion in the education sector.

The suspension, which took effect from January 1, was made in response to the rising costs associated with foreign training, and the increasing number of scholars failing to return to Nigeria upon completion of their studies abroad.

Recall that in a statement issued by the Director, Public Affairs of the Fund, Abdulmumin Oniyangi, on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Sonny Echono, he attributed the suspension to “excessive cost of training in foreign institutions as well as the high rate of abscond of foreign scholars.”

The Fund’s spokesperson however, explained that TETFund scholars, who have already enrolled in foreign institutions would continue to draw down on their scholarships till the end of their programmes.

“It is expected that the suspension will conserve and reduce the pressure on foreign exchange rate, boost investment and local capacity in Nigerian tertiary educational institutions and significantly, increase the number of beneficiaries of the intervention.
To this end, TETFund, in collaboration with the National Universities Commission (NUC), has intensified efforts in the implementation of the Transnational Education Guidelines recently approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

https://guardian.ng/business-services/business/shelving-foreign-scholarships-tetfunds-bold-move-to-strengthen-local-education/