The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced the suspension of the foreign aspect of its TETFund Scholarship for Academic Staff (TSAS) Intervention, citing the rising costs associated with overseas training and the prevalence of scholars failing to return.

This suspension will be implemented starting January 1, 2025, as detailed in a letter from TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, directed to the leaders of beneficiary institutions, including vice chancellors, rectors, and provosts.

The letter, dated November 25, 2024, and reviewed by Daily Trust, states: “Due to the current exorbitant costs of training at foreign institutions and the significant number of scholars who do not return, the Board of Trustees has decided to suspend the foreign component of the TETFund Scholarship for Academic Staff (TSAS) Intervention.

“Beneficiary institutions are encouraged to focus on fulfilling their training requirements locally within Nigerian institutions.

“This approach aims to alleviate pressure on the foreign exchange rate, enhance investment, and strengthen local capacity in our institutions, while also increasing the number of beneficiaries of the Intervention.”

Echono further clarified that scholars currently enrolled in foreign institutions under this program will continue to receive funding until they complete their studies.