The gains being recorded across Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions through the interventions of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has been attributed largely to quality leadership.
Established as an interventionist agency to bridge the funding gap in public tertiary institutions, the Fund has undergone different phases of transformation depending on the vision and discipline of those tasked with its management. In recent years, under the leadership of Arc. Sonny Echono as the Executive Secretary, there has been a glaring shift towards accountability, innovation and sustainable impact.
Echono assumed office at a time when expectations of TETFund were critical. The Nigerian public has long regarded education as the cornerstone of national development, yet persistent challenges of underfunding, infrastructural decay and inadequate research support continued to plague the sector.
However, Echono’s tenure was distinguished by the manner he redefined the agency’s intervention logic. Rather than operate as mere disbursement mechanism, TETFund is repositioned for holistic transformation, with emphasis on prudence, transparency and measurable impact, an approach that stemmed from his background as an accomplished technocrat with years of experience in the civil service, where he cultivated the discipline of systems thinking and the rigor of performance-driven leadership.
One of the most striking features of his administration is the deliberate focus on accountability. Recognising that public trust in intervention funds had been eroded due to past mismanagement in different sectors, he prioritised strengthening of internal processes and instituted safeguards against leakages by building stronger monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
The collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to guarantee judicious use of funds further reinforced the message that TETFund will not be a playground for corruption.
This move not only restored credibility but also reassured stakeholders – universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, staff and students – that TETFund’s interventions would be delivered as promised.
Echono’s leadership has also been marked by bold innovations. Understanding that the education sector cannot thrive on traditional models alone, he has steered TETFund towards embracing technology-driven reforms. The digitisation of processes has minimised bureaucratic bottlenecks, improved transparency in project execution, and created more efficiency in resource allocation.
Furthermore, his emphasis on research and development has elevated TETFund’s role from serving as a mere financier of infrastructure to a sponsor of knowledge production. He has pushed for increased investment in research grants, capacity-building initiatives and partnerships with global institutions to ensure that Nigerian scholars contribute meaningfully to solving local and international problems. This emphasis on intellectual capital development represents a long-term investment in Nigeria’s competitiveness in the knowledge economy.
The gains of this leadership philosophy are already evident in the transformation of campuses across the country. Public tertiary institutions have witnessed improved infrastructure, from lecture halls and libraries to laboratories and hostels, which are not only functional but also modern in design and execution. These physical improvements have had a ripple effect on teaching and learning outcomes, as students and lecturers now operate in more conducive environments. The sense of pride among academic communities is palpable, and the morale boost has translated into more seriousness and productivity in various faculties. While infrastructure remains critical, the deeper impact lies in the culture of responsibility that has been infused into institutions – projects are no longer abandoned with impunity, and there is a greater sense of stewardship among administrators who now recognise the seriousness with which TETFund monitors its interventions.
Echono’s tenure has also prioritised inclusivity, ensuring that all categories of institutions benefit fairly from interventions. This balancing act has strengthened national cohesion and reduced the feelings of marginalisation that sometimes trail government initiatives. By applying objective criteria in disbursements and maintaining an open-door policy with stakeholders, he has been able to foster trust and create an environment of collaboration. TETFund under his watch has become not just a funding agency but a partner in development, one that listens, advises, and adapts its interventions to meet the specific needs of beneficiaries. Such responsiveness to context has increased efficiency and created a greater alignment between TETFund’s objectives and the aspirations of tertiary institutions.
Recognition of his efforts has not been confined within Nigeria alone. International accolades, such as leadership awards in London and other forums, testify to the global acknowledgement of the reforms he has driven. These awards are not just personal validations but affirmations of the idea that when public agencies are managed with integrity and competence, they can compete with their counterparts anywhere in the world. They also serve as a source of inspiration to other public servants and institutions, proving that excellence in governance is possible despite the systemic challenges Nigeria often grapples with.
The success story of TETFund under Echono also raises important reflections about the centrality of leadership in institutional reform. Nigeria’s education sector has no shortage of policies or frameworks; the missing link has always been consistent, quality leadership capable of translating policy into practice. Echono’s tenure demonstrates that leadership is not about grandstanding but about quiet efficiency, clear vision, and an unwavering commitment to service. By setting the tone from the top and building a team-oriented culture, he has been able to reengineer TETFund into a results-driven institution. His leadership also illustrates the importance of continuity and sustainability, as many of his initiatives are structured in ways that they can endure beyond his tenure, ensuring that gains are consolidated rather than reversed.
