The Federal Government has announced a new policy requiring Nigerians studying abroad on government-funded scholarships to sign a bond ensuring their return to contribute to national development after completing their studies.
Speaking at the inaugural TETFund National Town Hall Meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), revealed that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to address the growing issue of sponsored scholars staying abroad.
“President Tinubu is concerned that many beneficiaries of government-funded training abroad do not return, which is unfair. He has directed that measures be implemented to ensure scholars are bonded and return to serve Nigeria,” Echono said.
He highlighted that the failure of scholars to return hampers Nigeria’s human capital development, noting that the policy aims to protect the country’s investment in education.
The government also plans to focus training on critical sectors to enhance global competitiveness, ensuring returning scholars bolster the local workforce.
“We train people to apply their skills here and grow our economy,” Echono emphasized.
A review of approximately 40 institutions revealed that over 137 sponsored scholars have failed to return, showing the urgency of the new bonding policy.
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