The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) says it has suspended the foreign scholarship component of its intervention for lecturers in public tertiary institutions.

TETFund is an intervention agency that provides supplementary support to all levels of public tertiary institutions.

In a statement on Thursday, Abdulmumin Oniyangi, TETFund’s spokesperson, cited the excessive cost of training in foreign institutions as one of the reasons for the suspension of the scheme.

Oniyangi added that the growing cases desertion by scholars during the scholarship is another reason for the suspension.

He added that the suspension of the foreign scholarship will take effect on January 1, 2025.

The TETFund’s spokesperson said scholars who have been enrolled in foreign institutions would continue till the end of their programmes.

“The Board of Trustees of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has approved the suspension of the foreign component of the TETFund Scholarship for Academic Staff (TSAS) Intervention,” the statement reads.

“The suspension, which is in response to the excessive cost of training in foreign institutions as well as the high rate of abscondment of foreign scholars, is with effect from 1st January 2025.

“However, TETFund scholars who have already enrolled in foreign institutions would continue to draw down on their scholarships till the end of their programmes.

“It is expected that the suspension will conserve and reduce the pressure on the foreign exchange rate, boost investment and local capacity in Nigerian tertiary educational institutions and significantly increase the number of beneficiaries of the intervention.”

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has set December 2 to embark on a two-week warning strike.

Kpanja Shammah, president of the union, addressed journalists at the end of its 112th national executive council (NEC) meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

ASUP had issued a 15-day ultimatum to the federal government and other relevant agencies.

The ultimatum was for the government to review and reverse all policy decisions inconsistent with provisions of the Polytechnics Act and other governance instruments in the sub-sector.

The union had also alleged impunity and disregard for clear provisions of the Act, various edicts establishing state-owned institutions, and other governance instruments.

Shammah said the federal government has yet to implement some 11 items in the agreements it entered with the union.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that

“As of today, we can only attest to the resolution of item number four while item number two is ongoing. No tangible effort is being made to resolve the other items,” he said.

“Following these developments, the union resolved to withdraw the services of its members nationwide with effect from Dec. 2 on two weeks definite strike action in the first instance.”

He said the strike would serve as a warning to the government to resolve the issues listed or be held responsible for an indefinite strike going forward.

Shammah listed other grievances of the union including sustained reports of impunity and disrespect of clear provisions of the Polytechnics Act and different edicts establishing state-owned institutions.

He also cited the appointment of a rector in Federal Polytechnic, Wannune which he said was done without due process.

He said that others were the non-review of the contentious schemes of service for polytechnics and the non-release of the NEEDS Assessment intervention funds for 2023.

Shammah called for the understanding and support of members of the public as it tussles with the federal government.

“We hope that the government will work to meet the demands of the union, which is to engender a healthy teaching and learning environment, to avoid an indefinite shutdown of the sector,” he added.

Central South University (CSU) is offering a fully funded opportunity for professionals interested in global governance through the Youth of Excellence Scheme of China Program (YES China).

This scholarship, funded by the Chinese Government, is intended for individuals seeking to enhance their leadership skills and contribute to international development.

It allows successful candidates to pursue master’s degrees at CSU.

Scholarship Overview: Central South University as a key partner 

According to CSU, the Youth of Excellence Scheme of China Program (YES China) is an initiative by the China Scholarship Council (CSC) that offers professionals a platform to develop skills in fields important to global governance. The scholarship targets candidates with leadership potential and experience in areas such as infrastructure, transportation, and resource management.

Successful applicants will study in English-taught programs at Central South University (CSU), based in Changsha, China. The program is structured to offer students a unique combination of academic learning and practical, field-based research.

Master’s programs available at CSU 

Three master’s programs are available under the YES China scholarship:

• English-Taught Master’s in Mineral and Metallurgical Talent Development: Focused on developing expertise in the mineral and metallurgical sectors.
• Master’s in Civil Engineering Infrastructure Construction and Maintenance: Dedicated to advancing knowledge in infrastructure management and construction techniques.
• English-Taught Master’s in Traffic and Transportation Talent Development: Designed to address challenges in the transportation and logistics sectors.

These programs, as stated, are tailored to provide advanced skills that can address global challenges in critical industries.

Eligibility and requirements for applicants 

To be eligible for the YES China scholarship, applicants must meet several criteria:

• Age and Citizenship: Applicants must be non-Chinese citizens under 45 years of age.
• Educational Background: A bachelor’s degree or higher is required, along with a minimum of three years of professional experience.

Professional Experience: Applicants must be in one of the following categories:

• Public officials at the division level or higher
• Senior managers in institutions or enterprises
• Administrative staff in universities or research institutions
• Professionals with experience in international organizations
• Pre-Admission Letter: Applicants must secure a pre-admission letter from Central South University, which is necessary for the application process.

Application process and deadlines 

The application process for the YES China scholarship is conducted in two stages:

• Step 1: Applicants must email required documents to Central South University at csc@csu.edu.cn before February 15th, 2025. A pre-admission letter will be issued if the applicant meets CSU’s admission requirements.
• Step 2: After receiving the pre-admission letter, applicants must complete their online application through the Chinese Government Scholarship System. The final deadline for submitting applications is March 15th, 2025.

Applicants must submit various documents, including proof of education, language proficiency (such as TOEFL or IELTS scores), a study plan, and a CV. Additionally, a physical examination record, non-criminal record, and letters of recommendation are required as part of the application.

Important dates and application timeline 

The application process for the YES China scholarship follows a clear timeline:

1. November 2024 – February 2025: Applicants prepare materials and request a pre-admission letter from CSU.

2. Before March 15, 2025: Complete the online application through the Chinese Government Scholarship System.

3. April – May 2025: Application materials will be reviewed by experts.

4. June 2025: Results will be announced, and successful applicants will receive their admission materials.

5. July – August 2025: Applicants apply for their visa and prepare for study in China.

6. September 2025: Arrive at CSU to begin studies and registration.

For more details, visit the official call page at CSU’s website