House of Representatives, at its plenary on Tuesday, advanced a bill for second reading that seeks to broaden the scope of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund by including Inter–University Centres among its beneficiaries.
The bill aims to strengthen research and training capacities within Nigeria’s tertiary education framework.
The legislation, titled “A Bill for an Act to Amend the Tertiary Education Trust Fund Act, No.16, 2011 to Provide for the Inclusion of Inter–University Centres among Beneficiaries of the Tax Imposed under the Act; and for Related Matters (HB.1754),” is spearheaded by Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu along with eight other lawmakers.
Among the institutions proposed for inclusion under the amended Act are:
National Mathematical Centre (NMC), Abuja
National Institute for Nigerian Languages (NINLAN), Aba, Abia State
Nigerian French Language Village (NFLV), Badagry, Lagos State
National Arabic Language Village, Ngala, Borno State
While leading the debate on the bill’s general principles, co-sponsor Hon. Tolani Shagaya emphasized the pivotal role TETFUND has played since its establishment in 2011, boosting infrastructure, staff development, research, and innovation across public tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Shagaya, however, noted a critical gap: Inter–University Centres, despite being federally established to serve the university community nationwide, are currently excluded from receiving TETFUND allocations.
“These centres fill critical academic, linguistic, and research gaps, serving as specialized hubs for knowledge. Yet, they do not receive any funding from TETFUND, even though their work directly supports the university system,” he said.
He described the initiative as essential for promoting “equity, inclusion, and academic relevance,” urging swift passage to improve Nigeria’s higher education landscape.
According to Shagaya, “Inter-University Centres support the entire university ecosystem by offering centralized expertise, hosting advanced research, conducting nationwide language training, and enhancing academic cooperation across institutions. Yet, because they are not classified as traditional universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education, they have been excluded from the funding streams that sustain similar tertiary institutions.”
He further lamented the consequences of their exclusion, stating that it has left these vital institutions “underfunded, under-equipped, and undervalued,” despite the significant national functions they perform.
Key provisions of the proposed amendment include:
Revising Section 4 to formally recognize Inter–University Centres under the Act
Adjusting Section 7 to introduce a proposed allocation ratio of 2:1:1:1 to fund the centres, a figure open to revision during committee deliberations
Redefining Section 20 to explicitly define the term “Inter–University Centres” within the context of the law
Shagaya described the move as a “practical and inclusive amendment that ensures no vital academic institution is left behind.”
He maintained that providing these centres access to TETFUND resources would help fortify their role in national development.
Following deliberation, the bill was presented for a voice vote by Deputy Speaker Rt Hon. Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session.
It received approval and was subsequently forwarded to the Committee on TETFUND for more in-depth review.
