The Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities (COPSUN) has voiced its opposition to the recent decision by the House of Representatives Committee on Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to halt the implementation of the 2024 TETFund intervention in State Universities. COPSUN has called for the rescinding of the directive and urged further consultations, if necessary.
In a statement issued by its Secretary, Suleiman Abubakar Mahdi, on behalf of the chairman, COPSUN expressed deep concern over the directive, describing it as an encroachment on the autonomy of the universities and a violation of the doctrine of separation of powers. Mahdi emphasized that such actions could potentially lead to conflicts among different tiers and branches of government.
Mahdi highlighted that the governing councils of state-owned universities are legally empowered to award contracts after due procurement processes and are exercising this executive prerogative. He reminded the House Committee that TETFund disbursements belong to the states and are subject to appropriation and oversight by the respective state Houses of Assembly. Therefore, the directive should not apply to state-owned universities.
Moreover, Mahdi stressed the urgency of executing these contracts, particularly considering the current upward trend in the dollar exchange rate and resulting inflation, which could increase costs over time. COPSUN’s statement underscores the importance of respecting institutional autonomy and adhering to established legal frameworks in the management of university funds and projects.