Government Tells Higher Education Bodies to Report Unused TETfund Allocations in 30 Days

The national authorities have instructed universities, colleges, and other higher learning centres to provide detailed accounts of any unspent money from a special education support scheme within the coming month.

Dr Tunji Alausa, the top official overseeing schools, issued this command during a gathering with leaders from these institutions in the capital city on Thursday. He highlighted the ongoing challenge of funds sitting unused, which has created headaches for planners and blocked progress on vital upgrades.

Dr Alausa made clear that these resources, meant to improve facilities and teaching, have been held up by red tape and slow processes. To fix this, he called for clear records of all leftover amounts to be checked together by officials. Any surplus cash could then shift to urgent tasks, and excuses for holding over funds without good reason will no longer cut it. He added that buying plans need to match the approved help, with quicker nods to avoid hold-ups.

In a bid to boost skills, the government plans to roll out training sessions on handling projects, sticking to rules, and filing updates, plus guidance from experts. Regular check-ins every three months will watch how things go, and tough steps await those who fail to make good use of the cash.

To build openness, a shared online display will show how funds flow out and get spent, and each centre must share updates on their work in the open.

Dr Alausa stressed that pulling this off relies on everyone working hand in hand. He urged the education fund body to take charge with fairness, enforce the rules, and keep things clear. Leaders at the centres should push for speed and own up to their duties, while finance staff, buyers, and project bosses need to map out steps and log progress carefully. Watchdogs and checkers must keep an eye out and raise alarms on any oddities. He wrapped up by saying all involved should treat the money as a public duty, knowing each bit comes from taxpayers’ trust.

This push comes as no shock, given repeated worries from the fund managers about large sums going untouched in Nigerian learning spots. Back in July this year, they warned of removing names from the list for those not tapping into or spending their share, with the cash heading instead to places that keep up.

The way the funds get shared follows needs-led requests, where centres put forward ideas for what they require, and bosses green-light them based on that.

For this year, the scheme has set aside 1.6 trillion naira for spots across the country, putting extra weight on safety in grounds, straight help, and medical services.