The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Mr. Sonny Echono, has pledged intensified reforms and greater accountability in Nigeria’s tertiary education system after being recognized as Tertiary Education Transformation Champion.
Echono made the pledge on Friday in Abuja while receiving the 2025 Personality of the Year Award from the Aljazirah Group.
He said the award motivates further interventions aimed at repositioning universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education as drivers of national development.
The TETFund chief noted that the recognition reflects the collective efforts of the Fund’s Board of Trustees, management, and staff, who monitor projects nationwide to ensure prudent use of public resources.
“This honour is a big tonic for us. We will rededicate ourselves to serving our country and delivering more impactful projects and initiatives for beneficiary institutions,” he said.
Echono dedicated the award to President Bola Tinubu, noting that sustained government support has enabled TETFund to expand its interventions across the education sector.
Early approvals of intervention funds and increased presidential backing have accelerated infrastructure delivery, research funding, and institutional reforms. TETFund secured approvals for its 2026 intervention cycle ahead of schedule, allowing institutions to access allocations early.
“We invited all beneficiary institutions early and allocated funds so projects could commence immediately. The results are already visible across campuses,” he said.
Echono added that TETFund has also addressed energy challenges in tertiary institutions, with federal collaboration boosting campus energy self-sufficiency.
Beyond infrastructure, TETFund is emphasizing research excellence, innovation, and human capital development to position Nigeria within the global knowledge economy. Initiatives such as national research exhibitions, digital academic platforms, and strengthened research networks aim to enhance intellectual productivity and competitiveness.
He expressed optimism that increased investment in higher education will equip Nigerian youths with skills to compete globally and contribute to economic growth.
Earlier, Aljazirah Nigeria CEO Dr. Etuk Williams praised Echono’s leadership, noting TETFund has become a strategic engine for research development, institutional accountability, and education reform. Independent assessments across federal universities indicate major improvements in project delivery, transparency, and value for money under Echono.
Williams said an undercover investigation in 2025, including domestic and international checks, found no evidence linking Echono to corrupt practices. The findings form part of a 72-page report, “Aljazirah Crack Findings on Public Servants in Nigeria,” to be presented to President Tinubu, anti-corruption agencies, and the public in August 2026.
