Explore why stakeholders are opposing the Nigeria Tax Reform Bill 2024 provisions that threaten to phase out TETFund, a critical lifeline for public tertiary institutions. The proposed Nigeria Tax Reform Bills 2024 are currently under review by the National Assembly, sparking debates about their potential impact on tertiary education funding. These bills include: Their primary aim is to consolidate taxation frameworks and enhance revenue collection systems. However, Part X of the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024 has raised concerns among stakeholders, particularly regarding its treatment of the Development Levy, which is funded by taxes on corporate profits. This levy directly supports various educational and developmental agencies, including the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). How TETFund and Other Institutions Are Affected Under the proposed NTB 2024, the Development Levy will be distributed among four institutions: The distribution structure for the levy is as follows: This phased removal of TETFund’s funding has drawn widespread criticism from lecturers, parents, and education advocates, who argue that it threatens the future of public tertiary education in Nigeria. Concerns from Stakeholders Parents’ Perspective The National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria (NAPTAN), represented by its National President, Alhaji Haruna Danjuma, warns that eliminating TETFund will lead to a spike in tuition fees at public universities. Institutions will struggle to fund capital projects and may shift the burden onto students and parents through increased charges. “If there is no TETFund, institutions will rely on internally generated revenue, ultimately taxing students and parents,” Danjuma cautioned. ASUU’s Standpoint The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strongly opposes the proposal to phase out TETFund. According to ASUU National President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke: “Without TETFund, many public institutions would collapse due to a lack of basic facilities. We urge the government to reconsider this plan,” Prof. Osodeke stated. Adverse Effects Highlighted by ASUU Lagos Zonal Coordinator Prof. Adelaja Odukoya emphasized that replacing TETFund with NELFund promotes a culture of student debt, similar to systems in countries like the United States. He argued that this model could: “TETFund directly improves institutions and communities by raising the quality of education. Its elimination would undermine these efforts,” Adelaja noted. Why TETFund Must Be Preserved TETFund has played a vital role in sustaining public tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The majority of modern infrastructure and facilities on campuses have been funded through TETFund allocations. Stakeholders argue that its removal will: Call to Action Stakeholders, including parents, lecturers, and education advocates, are urging the federal government to reconsider the NTB 2024 provisions that phase out TETFund. Preserving TETFund is critical to maintaining equitable access to quality education and ensuring the sustainability of public tertiary institutions in Nigeria. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
The President of the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF), Alhaji Shettima Yerima, has voiced concerns over the northern region’s dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu’s administration. In an exclusive interview, Yerima discussed the challenges surrounding the Tax Reforms Bill, insecurity, and economic hardships, urging the government to adopt measures that would address the region’s concerns and rebuild trust. Northern Opposition to Tax Reforms: Missteps and Solutions Yerima emphasized that the northern opposition to the Tax Reforms Bill is not rooted in hostility but in the government’s poor handling of the process. He pointed out that a lack of proper consultation and transparency contributed to public resistance. For the reforms to gain legitimacy, Yerima suggested: He stressed that with better communication and adjustments, the bill could achieve widespread acceptance. Dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s Leadership Yerima highlighted the high expectations placed on President Tinubu, especially after years of perceived stagnation under the previous administration. While acknowledging the tough economic and security challenges inherited by Tinubu, he urged the government to: Yerima warned that failure to meet these expectations could lead to the northern region seeking alternatives in future elections. Criticism of State Governors The AYCF President criticized state governors for their reliance on federal allocations rather than generating internal revenue. He accused some governors of mismanaging funds and failing to harness local resources for development. Yerima advocated for the decentralization of the federal structure, suggesting it would encourage states to become more productive and self-sufficient. Key Recommendations for Progress: Future Outlook Despite the dissatisfaction, Yerima remains optimistic about Tinubu’s ability to turn things around within the next two years. He called for continued dialogue and reforms that align with the people’s interests. “The north doesn’t hate Tinubu; we simply expect more from his leadership,” he stated. Conclusion Alhaji Shettima Yerima’s insights reflect the urgency for President Tinubu’s administration to address northern grievances by focusing on security, economic reforms, and governance. With decisive actions, the government has the potential to regain the trust of the northern populace and achieve national progress. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
