Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, the President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), has expressed concerns over the prevalence of inferiority complex among Nigerians, leading to an over-dependence on foreign goods and services.

Osodeke emphasized that for a country to make economic progress, it must tap into the ideas and capabilities of its citizens, particularly those within the university system.

Speaking at the TETFund Alliance for Innovative Research (TETFAIR) Showcase and Closing Event in Abuja, Osodeke lamented the alarming trend of Nigerians opting for foreign products and services even when local alternatives are available.

Addressing suspicions about the full implementation of the national budget, Osodeke noted that, for the first time, the government had included TETFund’s budget in the national budget, which he considered detrimental.

He commended TETFund for its TETFAIR project and expressed confidence in the abilities of individuals involved in the scheme to tackle Nigeria’s challenges. He emphasized the need to rely on domestic ideas and solutions.

Osodeke also cautioned against political interference in TETFund by authorities overseeing the ministry.

Regarding the discrepancies associated with the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), Osodeke highlighted that ASUU had developed an alternative system called UTA, which was presented to the National Assembly. However, despite the availability of a local solution, Nigeria continued to insist on using IPPIS, resulting in the government paying a foreign company in the UK for salary payments.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc Sonny Echono, explained that the TETFAIR event aimed to support researchers in universities and help bring their innovative ideas to fruition. He emphasized the importance of Nigeria transitioning to a knowledge-based economy, as the world has shifted from a resource-rich economy to a knowledge-driven one.

Echono highlighted TETFund’s commitment to investing in research, innovation, and development as a crucial strategy for accelerating sustainable growth in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.