Senate Flags Funding Gaps, Calls for Accountability at 2026 4,

By Undie Emmanuel 

Abuja, Nigeria — The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND, Senator  Dandutse Muntari Mohammed has raised serious concerns over funding shortfalls, stalled projects, and fiscal discipline in Nigeria’s university system during the 2026 Joint Budget Defence Session with the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Federal Universities.

Speaking at the defence session, Senator Dandutse described the engagement as a constitutional responsibility and a critical oversight function aimed at assessing performance, addressing challenges, and ensuring that budgetary allocations translate into measurable improvements in infrastructure, research, teaching, and institutional capacity.

According to the committee chairman, the 2026 budget review comes against the backdrop of the non-release of a significant portion of the 2025 capital budget, much of which has now been rolled over into 2026. He noted that abandoned lecture theatres, incomplete hostels, delayed digital transformation projects, and other stalled capital works continue to undermine the effectiveness of tertiary education delivery.

The Committee raised curious observation on high suspicion of lack of credibility and transparency of the internal generated revenue (IGR) that call for question mark on the vice chancellors of the institution. This according to them is against section 10/2 which indicates that sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria, as Government acts on behalf of it's people who are the ultimate sovereign of the budget estimate and implementation that goes with reporting as the realization of the mandat.

They stressed that institutions must collectively review the status of 2025 allocations, identify affected projects and liabilities, and present realistic implementation plans for rolled-over funds. Senator Dandutse warned that inefficiencies must not be compounded, insisting on transparent prioritisation, credible timelines, and cash-flow planning.

He also highlighted the importance of strengthening Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) across universities, urging institutions to explore lawful alternative revenue streams such as consultancy services, research commercialisation, alumni partnerships, and endowments—without compromising academic integrity or access to education. While acknowledging recent improvements in IGR data and accountability mechanisms, he emphasized that such efforts must complement, not replace, government funding responsibilities.

For the 2026 fiscal year, the Senate Committee called for budgets that reflect realistic capital planning, clear benchmarks, robust monitoring frameworks, and strict fiscal discipline. Senator Dandutse reaffirmed the National Assembly’s support for reforms that enhance university autonomy, accountability, research excellence, and infrastructure renewal, assuring that oversight duties would be carried out rigorously.

Describing the budget defence process as collaborative rather than adversarial, he urged all institutions to submit factual, transparent, and well-documented presentations that support national development objectives.
“At the end of this exercise, our shared goal remains a stronger university system capable of driving national development,” he said.
On this note, Senator Dandutse formally declared the 2026 Joint Budget Defence Session with the National Universities Commission and Federal Universities open.

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