The Federal Government has instructed all federal tertiary institutions to publish essential institutional data, such as budget allocations, student numbers, and funding details, on their official websites by May 31, 2025. This directive, issued by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, is aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability within Nigeria’s higher education system.
The Ministry emphasized the importance of full disclosure, with institutions required to break down their Annual Budgetary Allocation into specific categories: “personnel cost, overhead costs and capital expenditure.” Dr. Alausa issued the mandate to ensure that key institutional data is made available publicly. The directive is part of an effort to align Nigeria’s education system with international best practices.
The institutions are also tasked with revealing their Research Grant Revenue from the previous year, categorized into two types: “grants obtained from domestic bodies such as local industries, government agencies, or foundations; and those received from international sources, including foreign institutions, multilateral organizations, and development partners,” as outlined by the Ministry.
Furthermore, universities must disclose their TETFund Allocation for the current year, detailing the total funds received and their impact on academic and infrastructure development.
Regarding Endowment Funds, the directive mandates that federal tertiary institutions update their websites quarterly to reflect the value of their Endowment Fund “as recorded at the end of the previous year.” This is to ensure transparency regarding funds donated or invested to support the long-term financial stability of the institution.
The Ministry also requires institutions to publish the total number of students enrolled, broken down into undergraduate and postgraduate categories. The aim is to provide comprehensive data that is accessible to all stakeholders, including students and parents.
The Ministry further stressed that all data must be presented in a clear and user-friendly format to ensure public access. Websites should be designed to allow easy navigation and understanding of the data, making it accessible to the general public.
To ensure compliance, the Ministry has announced that it will conduct regular audits of institutional websites and take necessary actions against institutions that fail to comply. The Ministry also plans periodic reviews to assess adherence to the guidelines and make decisions that support transparency and policy development in Nigeria’s higher education system.
This initiative is part of broader reform efforts intended to restore public trust in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, encourage performance-based funding, and improve the country’s position in global education rankings. The policy aims to make Nigeria’s education system more accountable and aligned with international standards.
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