The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has called on the federal government to separate the budget of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) from the annual education budget. ASUU President, Prof. Emmanuel Osodeke, requested this at the TETFund Alliance for Innovative Research, TETFAIR, Showcase and Closing Event in Abuja. Osodeke emphasized that this separation would enhance effective budget implementation. He expressed concerns over the inclusion of TETFund’s budget in the national budget, stating that once integrated, it jeopardizes the autonomy and effectiveness of TETFund.
Osodeke also addressed the dependency issue on foreign goods and services, urging Nigerians to overcome inferiority complexes and utilize local resources. He highlighted ASUU’s efforts in developing alternatives to the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), emphasizing the need to leverage local innovations.
Commending TETFund for the TETFAIR project, Osodeke affirmed that the talents engaged in the scheme have the potential to address Nigeria’s challenges. He urged the country to tap into its ideas and resources for development.
The Minister of Labour, Hon. Simon Lalong, praised TETFAIR as a platform for researchers and innovators to showcase groundbreaking ideas. Lalong emphasized the importance of transitioning to a knowledge-based economy and expressed confidence in the impact of TETFAIR on Nigerian scholars.
TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arc Sonny Echono, highlighted the fair’s role in supporting researchers and transforming innovative ideas into tangible solutions. He underscored TETFund’s commitment to investing in research, innovation, and development as crucial strategies for sustainable growth.
Minister of State for Education, Hon Yusuf Sununu, called for enhanced copyright protection to safeguard innovators’ ownership rights. He emphasized the need for collaboration between academia, industry, and other stakeholders to ensure the marketability of products developed by innovators.
Chairman of the House Committee on Tertiary Education, Princess Miriam Onouha, expressed satisfaction with the research efforts showcased at TETFAIR. She hoped that the gains made through the project would contribute to addressing unemployment, pledging legislative support for TETFAIR’s success.
