Revise TETFund Act, Scholars Task FG.

A fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science,Professor Babatunde Rabiu,
has called on the Federal Government to revise the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) Act to enable Nigerian institutions host international scholars through structured academic exchange programmes.

Prof. Rabiu, while delivering a public lecture at the Academy’s 2025 Induction Ceremony in Abuja, stressed stated the need for Nigeria to deepen global academic engagement to strengthen its research and development (R&D) capacity.

“TETFund Act should be revisited to allow some Nigerian institutions to host international scholars and academics on cross-institutional exchange programmes,”

He noted that a revised Act would complement TETFund’s existing investments in tertiary institutions adding that TETFund should consider sponsorship of sustainable strategic partnerships among higher institutions as a means of sustaining its multi-billion investment over the years

Rabiu warned that Nigeria risks being left behind if it fails to prioritize innovative research and international collaboration, and noted that Nations that fail to invest in innovative research shall remain the dumping ground for technologies developed by other nations.

He also called on the Federal Government to protect TETFund’s core mandate during ongoing fiscal reforms,
highlighting the importance of international cooperation.

Prof.Rabiu therefore stressed that Nigeria’s absence from global scientific societies has cost its institutions access to valuable funding and networks.

“A lot of grants/opportunities are eluding our institutions and national scientists due to our non-participation in global scientific societies as a result of our poor financial status.”

Emphasising the Academy’s role in providing scientific guidance to national policy,the President, Nigerian Academy of Science, Professor Abubakar Sambo in his remarks,praised the high standards of the institution’s selection process, and pointed out that only 10 new fellows were inducted after rigorous nominations.

The lecture, titled “Innovative Research and Strategic Partnerships: Catalysts for Sustainable Institutional Development,” underscored the urgency of reintegrating Nigerian academia into the global knowledge economy.