Sunny Echono: Architecting a World-Class Nigerian Education System Under Tinubu
Sunny Echono: Architecting a World-Class Nigerian Education System Under Tinubu
By Hannatu Lot
Sunny Echono, the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), has emerged as a key figure in the ongoing quest to elevate Nigeria’s tertiary education system to global standards. His leadership, characterized by strategic vision, innovative approaches, and a deep commitment to academic excellence, has driven impactful changes across the Nigerian educational landscape.
**A Vision for Transformation: **
Echono’s vision for TETFund and Tertiary Institutions goes beyond mere funding. He envisions a system where Nigerian universities and research institutions are equipped with world-class facilities, attract renowned faculty/brains, and produce globally competitive graduates. This vision has been the guiding principle behind his initiatives, which have targeted key areas for improvement.
**Boosting Research and Innovation: **
Recognizing the pivotal role of research in driving development, Echono has spearheaded a massive increase in TETFund’s funding for research. This has spurred a surge in academic research, leading to increased publications in high-impact journals and the development of innovative solutions to local challenges.
TETFund’s Cutting-edge Research.
In 2023, TETFund-supported researchers at the university (in collaboration with other research institutions), played a pivotal role in advancing the COVID-19 DNA vaccine candidate (SJN3T) Corvac, to pre-clinical trials in addition to taking steps towards developing first-ever Lassa fever vaccine. These breakthroughs, were made possible through the Centre for Advanced Medical Research and Training (CAMRET).
The first-ever Kidney transplant was conducted successfully at the TETFund Centre of Excellence in Urology and Nephrology by the Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital (UDUTH), Sokoto State that shows TETFund’s commitment to cutting-edge research.
The first-ever Kidney transplant performed at the TETFUND Centre of Excellence In Urology and Nephrology
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Maiden Edition of the TETFund National Research Fair/Exhibition,17th-21st November, 2024
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**Infrastructure Upgrade: **
Under Echono’s leadership, TETFund has invested heavily in modernizing infrastructure across universities and polytechnics. This has included the construction of new buildings, laboratories, libraries, and hostels, providing students and faculty with conducive learning and research environments and the rehabilitation of outdated facilities.
**Elevating Academic Standards: **
Echono has introduced initiatives to enhance academic standards, including the provision of training and development opportunities for both Academic and non-Academic Staffs in Beneficiary Tertiary Institutions. He has also championed reforms aimed at strengthening academic governance and promoting research ethics. Curriculum Reforms, Teacher Development, Promoting Technical and Vocational Training, Creating Links with Industry and many more.
**Global Partnerships: **
Echono’s commitment to excellence has extended beyond Nigeria’s borders. He has forged partnerships with international institutions, fostering collaborations that enhance academic exchange, research, and capacity building. These partnerships have brought international expertise to Nigerian universities, accelerating the journey towards global standards. To mention but a few:
World Bank:TETFund has collaborated with the World Bank on various projects, including capacity building initiatives for universities and research grants focused on specific development areas.
African Development Bank (AfDB): The AfDB has partnered with TETFund on projects aimed at strengthening research capacity in African universities, with a particular focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
UNESCO: TETFund has worked with UNESCO on projects promoting higher education quality assurance and enhancing research collaborations.
Commonwealth of Learning: This partnership focuses on enhancing distance and online learning opportunities in Nigerian universities, expanding access to education and enhancing digital skills.
**International Universities and Research Institutions:**
University of Oxford (UK): Collaborations have been established for research and academic exchange programs, particularly in areas of public health and social sciences.
University of Cambridge (UK): Similar collaborations are underway with Cambridge, focusing on areas like climate change research and sustainable development.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) (USA): Partnerships with MIT have involved knowledge sharing, faculty exchange, and joint research projects in areas like engineering and technology.
University of California, Berkeley (USA): Collaborations include research initiatives and student exchange programs, particularly in areas of agriculture and sustainable development.
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The Signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Between the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the Nigerian Academy of Engineering.
**A Legacy of Impact:**
Sunny Echono’s leadership has left an indelible mark on the Nigerian education system. His initiatives have revitalized research, upgraded infrastructure, and elevated academic standards, setting a foundation for a more competitive and globally recognized higher education sector. While the journey towards a world-class system is ongoing, Echono’s unwavering commitment to excellence has inspired hope and optimism for the future of Nigerian education.
TETFund’s interventions in 262 public tertiary institutions under the able leadership of Arc. Sunny S. T. Echono has not gone un-notice as different categories of awards of excellence kept pouring in.
The most recent awards received by Arc. Sunny Echono:
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has been awarded as the “Most Improved Government Agency” of the year 2024 by New Telegraph Newspaper.
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The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has been awarded as the “Most Improved Government Agency” of the year 2024 by New Telegraph Newspaper.
Executive Secretary, TETFund, Arc. Sonny S. T. Echono, received the Award of Excellence from Startup Abuja EduTech at Abuja.
The Executive Secretary TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono was presented with a Nomination Letter for the Award of Education Icon for the 2024 Vanguard Award by the Deputy Editor, Mr Adekunle Adekoya at the Fund’s Headquarters, while highlighting TETFund’s achievements in the education landscape
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TINUBU’s vision and belief in the transformative power of education
President Tinubu’s vision for education reflects his deep commitment to human capital development and his belief in the transformative power of education. His plans, have the potential to usher in a new era of educational reform and progress in Nigeria.
**1. Quality Education:**
Curriculum Reform: Modernizing the curriculum to be relevant to the needs of the 21st century and aligning it with global standards.
Teacher Development: Investing heavily in teacher training and professional development to ensure teachers are equipped to deliver high-quality instruction.
Infrastructure Improvement:Providing schools with adequate infrastructure, including laboratories, libraries, and technology, to support effective teaching and learning.
**2. Access to Education:**
Universal Basic Education: Providing free and compulsory basic education for all children, focusing on early childhood education and addressing the needs of marginalized communities.
Financial Aid: Offering scholarships and financial assistance to students from disadvantaged backgrounds to reduce financial barriers to education which gave birth to NELFUND
Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND)
NELFUND is meant to caters to all Nigerians and its designed to provide accessible loans for students in universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and people pursuing vocational education, and skills acquisition.
As of February 3, 2025, the fund had disbursed N20,074,050,000.00 to 192,906 students for tuition fees.
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**3. Vocational and Technical Education:**
Promoting Technical and Vocational Training: Strengthening vocational training programs and making them more attractive to young people by aligning them with the needs of the job market.
Investing in Skill Development: Equipping students with technical skills and certifications that are valuable in the global economy.
Creating Links with Industry: Fostering strong partnerships between vocational training institutions and businesses to ensure that training programs are relevant and meet industry demands.
**4. Technology in Education:**
Digital Infrastructure: Expanding access to internet and digital resources in schools, ensuring that technology plays a central role in teaching and learning.
E-learning and Distance Education: Expanding access to online learning platforms and distance education programs to reach students in remote areas and offer flexible learning options.
The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) recently under the leadership of Arc. Sunny S. T. Echono, had new Executives of the Anti-Corruption and Transparency Unit (ACTU) Inaugurated and Inducted at the Funds’ Headquarters in Abuja.
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**Looking Ahead:**
Echono’s continued leadership remains crucial to achieving the vision of a world-class Nigerian education system. As he continues to implement innovative strategies and foster international collaborations, his legacy is likely to extend far beyond his current tenure, shaping the future of generations of Nigerian students and scholars.
Hannatu Lot is the Publisher of Voice Media Trust (VMTNEWS.NG), base in Abuja, Nigeria.
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