The Federal government is developing a policy to bond students sponsored abroad, which will ensure they return to Nigeria after completing their studies, and contribute to national development.
The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Sonny Echono, announced this at the maiden TETFund National Town Hall Meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.
Echono said the decision followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive to address the high rate of scholars who fail to return after benefiting from government scholarships.
Echono described the trend as a major loss to national development, noting that the framework would focus on critical sectors where skilled manpower is needed.
“It’s not to punish beneficiaries but to safeguard national investment in human capital,” the TETFund boss said.
He also highlighted Tinubu’s education reforms, including the increase in education tax from 2.5% to 3%, new student hostels under the Renewed Hope Initiative, and the National Student Loan Scheme to ensure no student drops out due to financial hardship.
TETFund Board Chairman, Aminu Masari, said the meeting aimed to promote transparency, inclusiveness, and accountability in tertiary education.
He reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to strengthening innovation, research, and accountability across higher institutions.