The saying that charity begins at home aptly described the recent visit by the leadership of the Nigerian Institute of Architects to one of their own – Arc. Sunny Echono, the current Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
The visit was a demonstration of professional solidarity, mutual respect and recognition of Echono’s contributions to architecture and to Nigeria’s educational development.
By reaching out to celebrate one of their distinguished members in his official capacity, the NIA reaffirmed the value of nurturing relationships within its own community while fostering impactful collaborations.
The NIA President, Arc. Mobolaji Adeniyi, who led the Board of Trustees and College of Fellows to the Fund’s Headquarters in Abuja, also presented Echono with an award for his excellent service as the 28th President of the Institute. Adeniyi applauded the intervention agency under Echono for the development of infrastructure in the educational sector.
According to her, the development of infrastructure in the education sector through TETFund underscores Echono’s unwavering commitment to improving the quality of Nigeria’s learning environments. She noted that under his leadership, the Fund has continued to prioritise construction, renovation and equipment of educational facilities to ensure that institutions across the country have the physical resources needed to support effective teaching and learning.
Adeniyi explained that the infrastructural strides go beyond mere brick-and-mortar projects, as they also represent future investment. Modern classrooms, laboratories, libraries and other facilities funded by TETFund have not only enhanced the physical landscape of our schools and universities but have also created environments that inspire both students and educators to achieve their best. Such improvements, she pointed out, are essential in driving academic excellence and innovation.
She added that the strategic distribution of TETFund resources across Nigeria’s educational institutions reflects a deliberate effort to bridge gaps and ensure equity.
By fostering quality education in both urban and rural areas, Echono’s work through TETFund is helping to level the playing field for learners from all backgrounds. In her view, this is a clear demonstration of leadership that understands the role of education as a catalyst for national development.
She used the occasion to canvass patronage of more NIA members, especially in the design of institutions’ infrastructure, even as she pledged the Institute’s continued support to the Fund in its initiatives.
“These interventions in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector have left indelible marks in the annals of our educational development. We commend specifically the much heralded initiative of the TETFund Centres of Excellence (TCoEs) interventions across some tertiary institutions nationwide. That our institutions are referred to as citadels of knowledge and learning isn’t a misnomer. The axiom in itself connotes a certain level of characteristic command of presence and ambience which are aptly exhibited by our first generation universities,” she said.
Receiving the award, the TETFund boss expressed deep appreciation to the institute, describing it as a homecoming and a reminder of the shared vision that binds members. Echono noted that his years of service within the NIA provided him with valuable lessons in leadership, collaboration and innovation – the qualities he has continued to apply in his role at TETFund.
He, therefore, dedicated the recognition to all architects working tirelessly to shape Nigeria’s building environment, especially those contributing to the transformation of the education sector.
Echono reaffirmed TETFund’s commitment to sustaining and expanding its infrastructural interventions across tertiary institutions, with focus on projects that not only meet immediate needs but also anticipate the demands of the future.
He stressed that quality learning facilities are critical to driving research, creativity and technological advancement, which are essential for the country’s socio-economic growth.
Echono also commended NIA for proactive engagement in national development discourse, and for championing the highest standards of professional practice. He encouraged it to maintain its advocacy for excellence and innovation, noting that the architectural profession holds a pivotal role in creating spaces that inspire learning, productivity and social cohesion.
He noted that TETFund’s new multidisciplinary research laboratories will enable researchers to conduct all types of research locally, eliminating the need to send samples abroad for analysis, and that the six of such laboratories are being established across the country while four of the state-of-the-art facilities are currently under construction in Port Harcourt, Kano, Abuja and Lagos, with additional two to commence before the end of the year.
The TETFund boss also revealed that the agency will soon commission iconic projects across the country; four of which would be unveiled in Kano and Osun States before the end of August.
“The biggest observation that was made when I came in here is the fact that we were dotting our campuses with all sorts of blocks, and we are now transiting to iconic buildings. I am pleased to report that we will soon be commissioning some of such projects that I feel proud to associate with, and then, Nigerians will see the new type of architecture of our campuses that reflects the ambience that is required,” he said.
