The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has undergone a remarkable transformation under the leadership of Arc. Sonny Echono, whose tenure as Executive Secretary began in March 2022. From inefficiency and stagnation to a beacon of excellence, TETFund’s revitalization highlights the impact of purposeful and visionary leadership.
Echono, an architect trained at Ahmadu Bello University, stepped into TETFund with a mission to rescue and reposition the agency. Aware of the challenges facing Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, he implemented reforms to eliminate inefficiencies, ensure prudence, and optimize service delivery. “We are aware of the role TETFund plays in the provision of infrastructure and critical facilities in our higher institutions, as well as the training of academic and non-academic staff,” he stated, vowing to uphold the agency’s mandate.
The agency’s reforms, including enhanced supervision mechanisms and stricter accountability measures, have restored its credibility. Echono’s commitment to prudence is evident in his handling of increased funding following the increment of the Education Tax to three percent under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Instead of indulging in frivolous expenditures, he channeled resources toward improving infrastructure, research, and learning outcomes in tertiary institutions.
Echono’s team-oriented approach emphasizes collaboration with stakeholders, including the heads of beneficiary institutions. “They must manage the resources given to them well, be efficient in their planning, and promptly deal with contractors,” he insisted, setting high standards for project execution. He also encourages institutions to embrace maintenance culture, saying, “They should jealously protect facilities and address structural dilapidations promptly.”
His tenure has also seen significant advancements in integrating technology into education. TETFund’s efforts to support over 280 public tertiary institutions include establishing the National Center of Excellence for Digital Literacy, equipping educators with digital skills, and improving learning management systems. “In today’s digital world, proficiency in digital literacy is essential for academic success and employability,” Echono remarked during a global education summit in the United States.
The achievements under Echono’s leadership have garnered local and international recognition. In April 2024, the National Association of Academic Technologists honored him with an Award of Excellence for his contributions to education and service to humanity. In July, Champion Newspapers named him “Outstanding Public Servant of the Year,” and TETFund won the 2024 Anthology Visionary Award for Leadership in Education Technology in the U.S.
Echono’s humility amidst accolades is striking. He attributes success to teamwork and views the awards as motivation to enhance productivity further. His vision is to make TETFund a model public service institution, ensuring Nigeria’s universities are equipped to address strategic challenges. “With added responsibilities, we remain equal to the task,” he assures, embodying the essence of quality leadership in service to education.
