The Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, has emphasised the role of education and entrepreneurship in Africa’s path to greatness.

He noted that integrating education with entrepreneurial skills is essential for unlocking Africa’s potential.

The TETFund chief, who disclosed this while receiving the Africa Leadership Excellence Award in Educational Development, described the summit’s theme: ‘Africa unleashed: Navigating disruptions, enhancing opportunities,’ as a call to action for global leaders.

The event was designed to mobilise policymakers, business leaders, and other stakeholders to explore sustainable socio-economic strategies for the continent.

Echono advocated robust policies and strategies to help the region overcome obstacles and seize opportunities.

He called for a multifaceted approach to harnessing Africa’s potential, focusing on leadership reforms, effective use of funding for infrastructure and enhancing regional integration.

Addressing leadership issues, Echono stressed the need for genuine democratic practices, good governance and transparency to achieve political stability and economic growth.

He also called for the efficient use of international funds to drive major infrastructural projects, particularly in energy, transportation, and communications.

On regional integration, he emphasised intra-African trade and collaboration to leverage the continent’s collective strengths, advocating a revival of Africa’s cultural identity to boost global partnerships and market access, as well as a focus on environmental sustainability and climate action.

Echono also highlighted the importance of prioritising human capital by investing in healthcare, education and poverty reduction to build a skilled, productive population.

Looking ahead, the TETFund chief announced plans to establish new research laboratories, innovation hubs and entrepreneurship centres in Nigeria.

These initiatives, according to him, are aimed at fostering ground- breaking research and development, enhancing entrepreneurship and job creation in line with global standards.

Echono concluded that linking education with entrepreneurship is crucial for Africa’s development, job creation and sustainable growth.