The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) Yola Zonal Office has urged the public to strongly oppose the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, calling it a betrayal of public education in the country.
The call was made by the Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Dani Mamman, during a press briefing in Yola, Adamawa State’s capital.
The Yola Zone, which includes universities such as Adamawa State University (ADSU) Mubi, Modibbo Adama University (MAU) Yola, Federal University Gashua (FUGA), Taraba State University (TSU) Jalingo, University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), and Yobe State University (YSU) Damaturu, condemned Section 59(3) of the 2024 Tax Bill, which it claims threatens the very existence of public tertiary education in Nigeria.
Comrade Mamman described the bill as a direct assault on the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), a vital funding mechanism established to support Nigeria’s public universities.
He pointed out that ASUU played a key role in establishing the Education Tax Fund Act in 1993, which has since been crucial in maintaining the country’s public education system.
However, the provisions of the new bill, Mamman argued, seek to gradually dismantle TETFund by reducing its allocation from the Development Levy.
The bill proposes that only 50% of the levy be allocated to TETFund between 2025 and 2026, with the remaining funds diverted to other agencies. From 2027 to 2029, TETFund’s share would drop to 66⅔%, and by 2030, the allocation would cease entirely, leaving TETFund with zero funding.
“This move will effectively end TETFund’s ability to support essential programs like staff development, research, and infrastructure,” Mamman said.
“The consequences will be disastrous—our universities will deteriorate, academic standards will decline, and social unrest will increase.”
ASUU raised several key objections to the bill, including the diversion of funds meant for TETFund, the proposed zero allocation post-2030, and the replacement of TETFund by NELFUND, a new agency that ASUU deems an unethical and unjustifiable move.
Mamman also highlighted that the move would reignite industrial disputes and exacerbate Nigeria’s educational challenges. He further criticized the government’s decision to dismantle TETFund, especially as other countries, such as Malaysia and Ghana, are looking to adopt the Nigerian model for their own education systems.
ASUU called on the National Assembly, the federal government, and all relevant stakeholders—including parents, students, civil society groups, and religious bodies—to vehemently oppose the bill.
“The future of public tertiary education in Nigeria is at stake,” Mamman stated.
“We must come together to protect TETFund and ensure our universities continue to thrive as centers of knowledge and innovation.”