4,645 Nigerian Lecturers Benefit from TETFund Scholarships for Advanced Studies

A total of 4,645 lecturers across Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions benefited from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) scholarships in 2024, according to new data released by the agency.

The beneficiaries were sponsored for postgraduate and post-doctoral studies within and outside the country under the TETFund Scholarship for Academic Staff (TSAS) Scheme, an initiative designed to improve the quality of teaching and research in Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

Nigerian Lecturers Sponsored to Study Abroad and Locally

The report revealed that 215 lecturers received sponsorship to foreign universities, while over 4,000 others were supported to study in Nigerian institutions.

The foreign destinations for TETFund-sponsored scholars in 2024 included the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Kenya, Malaysia, Cyprus, Uganda, and India — countries known for their strong academic and research systems.

Of the 215 lecturers sponsored overseas, 72 were for post-doctoral studies, 67 for PhD programs, 27 for Master’s degrees, and 49 for specialized bench work and research collaborations.

Domestically, 2,539 lecturers are currently pursuing doctoral degrees in Nigerian universities, while 1,891 others are enrolled for Master’s programs under the same scheme.

Strengthening Academic Capacity and Research Excellence

The TETFund Scholarship for Academic Staff (TSAS) Scheme is a strategic initiative that aims to enhance academic competence, develop research capacity, and bridge knowledge gaps in Nigeria’s higher education sector.

By sponsoring lecturers to pursue advanced degrees both locally and internationally, TETFund hopes to build a new generation of highly skilled academics who can drive innovation, mentorship, and institutional growth.

Education experts have praised the Fund’s consistent investment in staff development, describing it as a key driver of academic excellence and global competitiveness among Nigerian institutions.

Monitoring and Verification of Sponsored Scholars

According to the agency’s report, TETFund officials conducted monitoring visits to foreign universities where Nigerian scholars are enrolled.

During these visits, 211 out of 361 expected scholars were verified and evaluated for progress. The Fund said the visits were part of its accountability framework to ensure transparency, effective fund utilization, and program success.

TETFund reaffirmed its commitment to continuous supervision of all sponsored programs and ensuring beneficiaries return to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s academic and research development.

Investing in the Future of Nigerian Education

Over the years, TETFund has been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s educational advancement, funding infrastructure projects, research grants, academic training, and conference participation across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

The 2024 scholarship program further underscores the government’s focus on empowering Nigerian lecturers, promoting global exposure, and ensuring sustainable academic growth in the country’s higher education system.

Stakeholders believe that with consistent funding, Nigeria’s tertiary institutions will produce more globally competitive scholars capable of transforming the education landscape and driving national development.