Echono: Catalyst for development in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions

IF there is any organisation that has made critical intervention in the country’s tertiary education, that organisation is no other than Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). Since its establishment, the interventionist agency has provided succour to Nigerian universities, as well as colleges of education, polytechnics and monotechnics.

Therefore, given its strategic importance to the country, it is expected that its leadership must be persons with the requisite intelligence, abilities and proven record of service delivery. Though the current Executive Secretary of the organisation is Mr Sonny Echono, a tested architect, the fund has had seven other Nigerians steering its wheel.

Interestingly, Echono’s ascent to this pivotal role has sparked a wave of optimism and enthusiasm among educational institutions nationwide as his tenure has already become synonymous with transformative change and progressive development, earning him widespread acclaim and admiration. Under his stewardship, TETFund has undergone a paradigm shift, prioritizing initiatives aimed at enhancing quality of education, fostering research and innovation, and improving infrastructural facilities within institutions.

One of the most compelling testament to Echono’s success was when the sum of N683 billion which was approved by President Bola Tinubu, as the 2024 intervention budget for beneficiary institutions. Under his leadership, TETFund facilitated the establishment of Multipurpose Laboratories with a view to sustaining the tempo of deepening research and development in the country.

A committee on establishment of multipurpose laboratory led by a former vice-chancellor of University of Ibadan, Professor Olufemi Bamiro, was earlier inaugurated by the Executive Secretary, who stated that it was important to work conscientiously to develop human capital and provide infrastructure to support research and development. He announced that the Fund may consider increasing the number of the proposed multipurpose laboratories from two to four, in order to have more representation and spread in the country.

Giving a breakdown, Professor Bamiro disclosed that over 200 institutions belonging to both federal and state governments across all regions in the country were evaluated, ranked and stand to be beneficiaries of the infrastructural development.

At a recent event, Echono, in a bid to leverage on the global Artificial Intelligence technology trend, had led a delegation of Anthology, a leading technology company that offers Blackboard Learning Management System, to the Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, who stood in for the federal government to boost delivery of instructional and educational processes in Nigeria.

According to the Fund executive secretary, the Blackboard platform will ensure events, such as COVID-19 whose impact won’t be forgotten any time soon, will no longer take the country unawares and cripple learning activities in the country. He expressed that the learning management system would accommodate around 2.2 million users in Nigeria across the 253 beneficiary institutions of the Fund.

Joe Balenardo, who is the President of Anthology, in his response explained that his team is committed to making education better in the country while adding innovation and tools that will strengthen processes, data and engagements in the sector.

Recognising the importance of the project, education minister, Prtofessor Mamman lauded the partnership, calling it a wonderful opportunity to shape Nigerian education. According to him, with the support of the TETFund, Blackboard technology will make much difference in curriculum and behavioral delivery in tertiary institutions.

But what has marked Echono out is his hands-on approach to engagement with stakeholders. Before any critical decision, he ensures that he embarks on a series of extensive consultations. This inclusive approach has not only fostered a sense of ownership and collaboration but has also ensured that TETFund’s interventions are tailored to address the specific needs of each institution.

This is made manifest when the Fund implemented recommendations from the Graduate Employability Benchmark programme conducted in partnership with the International Finance Corporation to reduce unemployment rate in Nigeria. Echono had pointed out that the outcome of the report indicated that the aggregate average score of Nigerian benchmark institutions across the five dimensions of employability viz; relevance of learning, governance and strategy, employer engagement, career services/guidance, and alumni management stood at 2.3 out of 4.0, a little above 2.2 which represents the average of institutions benchmarked globally.

While stating that TETFund was deliberately refocusing its intervention activities to support learning outcomes and employability of Nigerian graduates, Echono announced the approval of the Federal Ministry of Education for a strategic and operational plan to refocus TETFund entrepreneurship intervention for employability and innovation.

It is important to note that Echono’s leadership has not been without hitches and glitches, but his commitment to transparency and integrity have made such challenges a mere stepping stone for achieving greater feats for the institution.

One of such was when claims arose in some quarters that the agency was a cesspool of corruption, as allegations of a multi-billion naira contract fund misappropriation was leveled against the educational institution.

It was alleged that an educational organisation, Fides Et Ratio Academy, received a N2.9 billion contract awarded to it by the TETFund but the project was not executed.

But, the executive secretary swiftly discarded such fictitious claims, stating that since taking over the mantle of leadership in the agency, due process was strictly being adhered to on anything done.

He said apart from sanitising the education sector in the country, part of his mandate was to tackle corruption in the system.

Also rising to debunk the claims was the chief executive officer of the academy, Paul Chukwuma, who noted emphatically that it only entered into an agreement with TETFund on a skill training programme for directors and deputy directors of information and communication technology as well as students in higher education institutions in the country.

Moreover, Arc. Echono’s emphasis on transparency and accountability has won him accolades from both within and outside the educational sector. His prudent financial management and effective oversight mechanisms has instilled confidence in the judicious utilisation of TETFund resources, thereby maximising the impact of investments in tertiary education.

Across campuses nationwide, there is a palpable sense of rejuvenation as dilapidated infrastructure gives way to state-of-the-art facilities, research output surges, and academic programmes undergo revitalisation. Institutions that were once grappling with resource constraints and stagnation are now experiencing a renaissance, buoyed by Arc. Echono’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to excellence.

In show of solidarity, support and in commendation of the leadership of TETfund, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) lauded the efforts of Arc Echono  for being a “driving force” behind the advancement of higher education in the country.

NANS President, Pedro Obi, said under the leadership of Echono, significant strides have been made in addressing the pressing infrastructure needs of academic institutions.

“From modernising facilities to enhancing research capabilities, TETFund has been a driving force behind the advancement of higher education in our nation,” Obi said.

As the executive secretary continues to chart the course for TETFund’s future, his legacy as a catalyst for development in Nigerian institutions is already assured.

Through his dynamic leadership, he has not only revitalised TETFund but has also reignited the flame of progress and innovation within the Nigerian higher education landscape, laying the foundation for a brighter and more prosperous future for generations to come.

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