Rating the Delivery Rate of TETfund Projects in South-East Nigerian State Universities

: The study evaluates the completion rates of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) projects in South-East State Universities, highlighting the importance of timely completion for high-quality education and university infrastructure development in Nigeria's impoverished economic situation, where inadequate funding is common. The study was conducted in five South-East Nigerian state universities targeting the 6662 population. The analysis used SPSS, resulting in 35.5% of the sample. The results showed that the duration of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) projects has influenced project completion rates in South-East Nigerian universities. 28% of respondents believe that time duration has led to some universities losing TETfund project approval, while 42% believe it has increased the likelihood of receiving more projects from TETfund. The test hypotheses confirmed that TETfund time duration has significant positive effect on the completion rate of projects. The model summary showed that time duration has caused some state universities to lose TETfund project approval, while it has continued to give universities the chance for more projects from TETfund. The study also highlighted the role of time to TETfund in ensuring projects approved must be completed at the appropriate time, which it assumes. The results showed that the F-value is the Mean Square Regression (3863.049), which is statistically significant (Sig =.000). The study suggests that State University management should maintain TETfund project duration due to high Federal Government funds and enforce stronger rules for project quality.


Introduction
Education is a crucial tool in human progress, with its goals including self-realization, improved interpersonal relationships, efficiency, effective citizenship, national consciousness, national unity, and advancements in social, cultural, political, economic, scientific, and technological fields [1].The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) was established by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to support the consolidation, rehabilitation, and restoration of tertiary education in Nigeria.TETfund is mandated to provide or maintain research and publications, institutional materials and equipment, training and development for academic personnel, and physical infrastructure necessary for teaching and learning.Poor performance in construction has been a national hallmark, with most projects carried out at higher education institutions either abandoned or finished over budget, behind schedule, and below quality.Buildings play a critical role in providing high-quality instruction, and poor project performance affects the level of education offered [2].Building success cannot be determined just by the fact that it is practically finished; it must be completed within the allotted budget and time frame, among other critical considerations.Clients place a high value on cost and time, and exceeding these parameters has financial ramifications.
In Nigeria's impoverished economic situation, inadequate funding for university programs is common.This study assesses the completion rates of TETfund projects at various institutions to complete university infrastructure projects on time [3].These financing programs have become the most popular funding programs for the nation's universities' infrastructure development.The study aimed to assess the completion rate of TETfund projects in State Universities in South-East, Nigeria.

Literature Review 2.1. Concept of Project
A project is a collection of work completed within a defined time frame with the aim of achieving particular goals.Given the following characteristics, the project is probably going to be a one-time program; it has a budget; it has a life cycle with start and end data; and it probably calls for the use of several resources, the majority of which could be limited and need to be shared with other projects.It can need forming a unique organization or stepping outside of established organizational limits [4].[5], who defines a project as the expenditure of money on a time-bound intervention to build assets, concurs with this point of view.Similarly, a project is described by [6] as an undertaking that must be started and finished within a certain amount of time, money, resources, and performance standards intended to satisfy the requirements of stakeholders and beneficiaries.Even if the term "project" has several generic definitions, it is important to understand right away that projects are different from other organizational procedures.

Project Completion Rate
According to [7], delay refers to the difference between the actual and contracted completion dates of building projects.There is a very high chance that the project will be completed within the allotted time if the project team adheres strictly to the schedule; on the other hand, if it is not, the project may delay and take longer than expected to complete.It is suggested that completing tasks or projects on schedule is one of the success elements and is evaluated as a component of successful initiatives.Projects will go more smoothly and effectively if time is controlled well, which also makes managing other variables much simpler.The project may, and most likely will, fail due to poor time management.
The success of the initiative therefore depends on [8].One of the main criteria for determining a project's success was finishing it on schedule, on budget, with the required level of quality, and-most importantly-without experiencing previously unheard-of cost increases [9].The commitment to finish the project on time must come from every member of the project team participating in the execution of project operations.While the project team may occasionally desire to focus their attention and resources on other pointless activities along the way, it is the project manager's duty to oversee the team and make sure the project plan is strictly adhered to during the implementation stage in order to achieve the goals [10].

Tetfund Projects and Completion Rates
Proper schedules are crucial for effective construction management, as they communicate the work, materials, and completion timeframes to the entire project team.Ensuring project success, delivering projects on time, within budget, and according to specifications, remains a challenging task [11].A successful project is achieved within predetermined constraints of time, cost, and quality, and its completion time is a critical factor in assessing its success.Construction projects vary in complexity, and managing the scope of activities can range from being easy on small and simple projects to being difficult on large, complex projects that may span several years [12].
Previous research and literature have not produced a definitive or accurate definition of time management.Despite the fact that many writers have mentioned and endorsed the idea that it is the process of identifying requirements, prioritizing, and organizing the actions necessary to meet those needs [13].Time management According to [14], time management is the process of planning activities or events by first estimating how long a job will take to complete, determining when it must be done, and then rescheduling any events that might cause it to take longer than expected in order to finish on time.
Time is the length of time that events or procedures occur.According to [15], time is a finite resource that has to be handled well or nothing can be controlled.Tools and activities for time management are those that enable a person to plan and organize his time efficiently.It is imperative that every individual attempts, learns, and becomes proficient in this subject throughout their career.Effective time management may boost a person's or a group's output and generate significant profits, which will enhance one's overall work and life experience [16].
Time management is the process of organizing and optimizing time to achieve goals, improve productivity, and alleviate stress.It involves self-regulation processes, coping behaviors, and strategies to assess activities and prioritize plans.Positive time management behaviors are related to job satisfaction, health, and stress reduction.Time management training helps teachers enhance their skills but does not directly support performance improvement.
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) is an intervention agency in Nigeria responsible for managing, disbursing, and monitoring education tax to public tertiary institutions.The fund aims to improve the quality of education in Nigeria by providing essential physical infrastructure, institutional materials, research and publication, and academic staff training and development.The TETfund Act, 2011 imposes a 2% Education Tax on the assessable profit of all registered companies in Nigeria, which is administered by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).The Fund also monitors projects executed with the funds allocated to beneficiaries.
The growth of higher institutions and economic challenges have led to a need for government funding for these institutions.To address this, the government has directed higher institutions to adopt strategies to generate revenues, including student levies, grants, private sector contributions, commercial activities, and consultancy.The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) was established under the TETfund ACT, 2011 to manage, disburse, and monitor education tax for public tertiary institutions in Nigeria.The Act imposes a 2% Education Tax on the assessable profit of all registered companies in Nigeria, with the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) empowered to assess and collect the tax.
In some situations, schedules can be uncertain, such as when daily life relies on environmental factors outside human control.People seeking relaxation may intentionally avoid having a schedule for a certain period of time [17].Studies conducted by [18] on the effects of tertiary education trust fund (TETfund) interventions on academic staff capacity building in Nigeria.Eniang-Esien's study found that university staff differ significantly based on TETfund intervention mechanisms, while [18] study found that the fund intervention for capacity building was a major priority.The cost and time performance of projects delivered using government subvention, TETfund, and Internally Generated Revenue were accessed by [19].
The study used a pro forma and questionnaire survey to gather data on selected projects, and the results showed good cost performance for the three assessed funding options but poor time performance in all cases.These studies highlight the importance of evaluating the effectiveness of TETfund interventions in enhancing academic staff capacity building.
The determinants of completion rate of county-funded infrastructural projects in Nyamira County, Kenya was studies by [20].The study found that a unit increase in funding availability would increase the completion rate of a road project.The effects of financing options on the completion rates of capital projects in Kenyan public universities by [21].They found a significant relationship between government financing, commercial banks' financing, AIA, and using foreign donor funds.[22] Investigated factors influencing successful completion of construction projects in public primary schools in Dagoreti South sub-county, Kenya.

Theory of Time
The Theory of Time Quadrant, proposed by [23], consists of four quadrants: i. for urgent deadlines, ii. for long-term development and strategizing, iii for distractions, and iv for activities with little to no value.In a professional environment, efficient time management is crucial for addressing pressing problems, crises, and emergencies.[24] highlighted the importance of effective project time management, which involves planning, scheduling, and exercising conscious control over limited time spent on specific activities to increase effectiveness, efficiency, or productivity.Project time management starts at the beginning of initiating a project by identifying the required project duration and milestones, and involves seven processes used in developing a time schedule.The schedule must be revisited multiple times during execution and monitoring stages to ensure timely completion of the project.
Project scheduling & control in Ghana examined by [25], focusing on the PMBOK for better project scheduling and control.Project time management includes seven processes used in developing a time schedule, which can have any format and must be revisited multiple times during execution and monitoring stages to ensure timely completion.
[26] conducted a study on the relationship between time management and job performance in Malaysian employees.The study used a descriptive research design with a sample size of 223 and used explanatory questionnaires and the Likert Scale to collect categorical data.Multiple regression analysis was used to test the hypothesis, finding that certain time management factors, such as task prioritization and time management, have a significant positive relationship on job performance.[27] study examined the role of time management strategies on organizational performance, focusing on time planning, goal setting, and organizational performance.A descriptive survey research was used, with a sample size of 52 employees.The study found that Kenya Red Cross in Kisii regularly used setting targets as time planning activity, and poor time planning resulted in failure in achieving organizational goals.
Positive relationship between organizational performance and effective time management were found by [28].[29] found that time management helps organizations survive competition and increase business.[30] examined the effects of time management on productivity in financial institutions using Ghana Commercial Bank, using descriptive surveys and descriptive statistics.[31] examined the effect of time management on employee performance in public sector organizations in Cameroon.The study used 120 structured questionnaires administered to employees, and the R square value indicated a moderate degree of explanation for employee performance.In this case, work schedule, punctuality, and procrastination had a positive influence on employee performance.
The study reveals gaps in empirical research on completion rate of TETfund project interventions in South-East Nigerian State Universities.Extensive studies have been conducted outside Nigeria, with few conducted in Nigeria.The research focuses on project management and organizational output, with few scholars discussing completion rates in South-East states, highlighting the need for further research which this work addresses.

Methodology
This study was carried out in the state universities within the five states of South-East Nigeria.The target population of the study consists of management, non-academic staff directors from level 14 and above and academic staff of the Universities in South-East, Nigeria, that are bonafide members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).The total population of this study was six thousand six hundred and sixty-two (6,662) [32].The Table 2 shows the distribution and return of questionnaire of the respondents.Table 2 shows that nine hundred and twenty (920) copies of the questionnaire were distributed to the respondents from which eight hundred and eighty-five (885) copies of questionnaire were returned representing 95% while thirty-five copies of questionnaire were not returned and were not used representing 5%.Based on this, 885 copies of questionnaire were used for the analysis.The study found that the duration of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) projects has influenced project completion rates in South-East Nigerian universities.28% of respondents believe that time duration has led to some universities losing TETfund project approval, while 42% believe it has increased the likelihood of receiving more projects from TETfund.The study also highlighted the importance of infrastructure for effective teaching and learning in academic staff capacity building.
Good cost performance for three funding schemes were found by [19] in Nigeria, while [33] examined the impact of TETfund on public higher education in Lagos State, using a descriptive research design and data from primary and secondary sources.The scholars in [34] [35][36] [37] highlighted the importance of university education in Nigeria, aiming to advance economic growth and global competitiveness through accessible, high-quality education while [38] asserts the cost implication on federal universities in south east.[19] studied the completion rate of county-funded road projects in Nyamira County, Kenya, finding a 1.224 completion rate.

Test of Hypotheses
The test hypotheses confirmed that TETfund time duration has no significant positive effect on completion rate of project has shown in Table 4, 5 and 6.

Discussion
Given the probability value of .000 is less than 0.05 level of significant and coefficient value of .416.We reject the null hypothesis and accept the alternate concluding that TETfund time duration had a significant positive effect on completion rate of project across State Universities.In line with the empirical review, this is in agreement with [36].Two variables of the study were time management and employee performance.A Survey Research design was used for the study with a sample size of 102 respondents.Questionnaires were used to collect categorical data for the study.Descriptive statistics was used test the hypothesis.The findings of the study revealed that there is a positive relationship between organizational performance and effective time management.
The findings at the end of the study shows that TETfund time duration had a significant positive effect on completion rate of project across State Universities in South-East, Nigeria (f= 3863.049., coeff = .416,pv 0.000 < 0.05).

Conclusion
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund) in Nigeria is a vital resource for tertiary education, providing research, publications, institutional materials, training, and physical infrastructure.However, poor construction performance in Nigeria's higher education institutions has led to abandoned or delayed projects.The success of a project is determined by meeting the allotted budget and time frame, and in Nigeria's impoverished economic situation, inadequate funding for university programs is common.This study aims to assess the completion rates of TETfund projects in State Universities in South-East Nigeria.Project completion rate is a key success factor, and time management is essential for achieving goals and improving productivity.The Tertiary Education Trust Fund managers, disburses, and monitors education tax to public tertiary institutions, aiming to improve the quality of education by providing essential physical infrastructure, institutional materials, research and publication, and academic staff training and development.
Based on the finding, the study recommended that Management of State Universities should maintain and keep TETfund projects time duration due to high injected fund from the Federal Government.State universities management should exercise more powerful rules and regulations within the university community in order to maintain TETfund project quality according to standard.This study makes significant contributions to the existing body of knowledge by providing a model showing the effect of completion rate on TETfund projects across State Universities in the south-east of Nigeria.This model can be adopted by future researchers to invest in other industries and places.

Table 2 .
Distribution and Return of Questionnaire

Table 3 .
Responses of TETfund Time Duration on Completion Rate of Projects

Table 4 .
Model Summary

Table 5 .
ANOVA Table on Hypotheses Completion rate of project b.Predictors: (Constant), TETfund time duration Table shows that the F-value is the Mean Square Regression (3863.049).From the results, the model in this table is statistically significant (Sig =.000).