The Federal Government is developing a new policy framework to ensure that students sponsored for studies abroad return home to contribute to Nigeria’s growth and development after completing their programmes.
Mr. Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), revealed this on Wednesday in Abuja during the maiden edition of the TETFund National Town Hall Meeting.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, had earlier expressed concern that a large percentage of Nigerian scholars sent abroad on government scholarships fail to return to serve the nation after their studies.
Echono said the new initiative aims to reverse this trend by encouraging scholars to bring back their expertise for national advancement.
He described the situation as a major hindrance to Nigeria’s progress and stressed the need for accountability in scholarship programmes.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu has directed relevant ministries and agencies to design mechanisms to curb the “brain drain” challenge, especially among beneficiaries of government-funded academic training overseas.
“Mr. President expressed concern that many of those trained abroad do not return, and he considers it unjust. He has therefore ordered that such students be properly bonded to ensure they return and contribute to nation-building,” Echono stated.
He further explained that the government would identify critical sectors in need of skilled manpower and ensure that trained scholars in those areas return to apply their knowledge locally.
Echono clarified that the measure was not punitive but a safeguard to ensure Nigeria’s investment in education yields measurable results.
“When we train people, we expect them to use their knowledge to strengthen our economy and improve society,” he added.
He also commended President Tinubu for prioritising education through reforms such as increasing the education tax from 2.5 to 3 per cent and sustaining funding for tertiary institutions despite economic pressures.
Echono highlighted several ongoing projects, including the construction of new student hostels under the Renewed Hope Initiative, and the introduction of an electric campus transport system to promote sustainability and innovation.
He noted that the President’s compassion for Nigerian youth is further reflected in the National Student Loan Scheme, which ensures that no student is denied education due to financial hardship, as repayment begins only after gaining employment.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the TETFund Board of Trustees, Mr. Aminu Masari, described the 2025 National Town Hall Meeting as a landmark step toward deepening accountability and inclusiveness in tertiary education management.
Masari outlined key priorities of the Board’s reform agenda, including transforming higher education into a hub for innovation, improving transparency, and expanding research and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Also speaking, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, commended TETFund for its contributions to infrastructure, research, and capacity building across Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
He added that the Fund’s achievements demonstrate the impact of consistent investment in human capital and reaffirm the government’s commitment to building a globally competitive education system.