The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has raised serious concerns about the potential impact of the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024 on public tertiary education, warning that the proposed legislation could undermine the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

Dani Mamman, ASUU's Yola Zone Coordinator, stated that the bill's provisions would redirect crucial funding away from TETFund, potentially destabilizing the public university system. "The future of public tertiary education in Nigeria hangs in the balance," he said, emphasizing that the proposed changes could significantly impair universities' operational capabilities.

According to Mamman, the consequences could be far-reaching, potentially leading to declining academic standards, increased brain drain, reduced research capacity, and broader social implications. He expressed particular concern about universities' ability to maintain competitive staffing levels, warning that institutions might struggle to "attract and retain top talent."

The union is now calling for a united front against the bill, urging the National Assembly, government officials, and other stakeholders to protect TETFund's current structure. "We must stand united to defend our education system and ensure that our universities can continue to serve as beacons of knowledge and innovation," Mamman emphasized.

The concerns come amid broader discussions about Nigeria's proposed tax reforms and their potential implications for various sectors of the economy.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​