Student Group Accuses VCs of TETFUND Projects Misappropriation, Appeals to Tinubu for Action

The Concerned Public Tertiary Institutions' Students Association (CoPTISA) has written a letter to President Tinubu, raising allegations against Vice Chancellors (VCs) regarding misappropriation of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) projects. The student group urges urgent intervention from President Tinubu to address what they term as the deteriorating state of tertiary education and to expose the syndicate of looters operating within the ivory towers of government-owned schools.

CoPTISA's National President, in the letter dated January 18, 2024, accuses VCs of brazenly diverting project funds, engaging in project abandonment, financial malfeasance, breaching procurement procedures, and participating in admission and other forms of racketeering. The letter emphasizes the critical role of the tertiary education sector in the nation's development and expresses concern over the alleged mismanagement of funds meant for projects and improvements.

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The student group claims that monies released by TETFUND to schools are being stolen, with projects either improperly executed or not executed at all. They allege collusion between VCs and contractors who, in many cases, are friends, family, or associates of the VCs and members of their management teams.

CoPTISA voices its concern about the luxurious lifestyles of some VCs and questions the source of funds for building world-class mansions and sending their children abroad for education. The group suggests that this disparity raises ethical issues, as the children of these VCs do not attend Nigerian schools, creating a disconnect between their actions and the challenges faced by Nigerian students.

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The student association calls upon the Senate and House of Representatives to initiate investigations into the activities of VCs and Rectors, utilizing their oversight powers granted by Sections 88 and 89 of the Constitution. CoPTISA believes that government intervention can lead to the recovery of misappropriated funds, which can then be channeled toward improving infrastructure and supporting scholarships as intended.

CoPTISA further criticizes instances where institutions benefitting from TETFUND interventions deliver shoddy and substandard projects. The group highlights cases where consulting or contracting firms are allegedly owned by the implementing VCs or their family members and associates. Additionally, they raise concerns about VCs favoring their cronies and family members for capacity-building training and foreign trips, neglecting relevant staff and scholars in their institutions.

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The student association concludes by stressing the need for transparency and accountability in the utilization of funds committed to the tertiary education sub-sector over the years, advocating for a thorough examination of public expenditures.