The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) under the leadership of Sonny Echono has continued to earn both local and international commendations. This time, it came from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in recognition of the Fund’s outstanding commitment in advancing higher education, fostering innovations and supporting sustainable development initiatives in Nigeria.
One of the key drivers of the recognition was TETFund’s proactive support for innovation and research, which directly addressed national challenges. By fostering partnerships among the academia, industry and government, the Fund has catalyzed a culture of problem-solving and entrepreneurship across Nigerian campuses.
Under Echono’s visionary leadership, the agency has also prioritised research funding and the establishment of Centres of Excellence, thereby creating hubs of knowledge and innovation that not only contribute to economic growth but also boosting knowledge in science, technology and the humanities.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Fund in Abuja, UNDP’s Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, disclosed that the international agency was leveraging Nigeria’s ongoing tertiary infrastructure revolution to drive youth-led innovation and unlock new pathways to sustainable development.
Attafuah noted that through targeted investments in infrastructure, research, academic staff development and digital innovation, TETFund has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to raising the quality of education and ensuring that Nigerian institutions are better equipped to compete globally.
She commended the Fund’s leadership for prioritizing youth empowerment through visionary programs and infrastructure upgrades in tertiary institutions.
According to her, these initiatives will significantly enhance the quality of education and equip students with the necessary skills to excel in their chosen fields, thereby contributing to the nation’s development.
The UNDP scribe noted that by investing in the youth and education sector, the Fund has demonstrated its commitment to fostering a brighter future for the country.
She commended the Fund’s leadership for prioritising youth empowerment through visionary programs and infrastructure upgrades in tertiary institutions.
“We have long admired the incredible work TETFund is doing but beyond admiration, we are here to collaborate and support Nigeria’s development through the ‘Nigeria First’ agenda. It is time to pool resources and co-invest in Nigerian talent”, Attafuah said.
According to her, UNDP is currently supporting the establishment of innovation hubs in eight Nigerian universities, with completion targeted for September. However, she emphasised that the initiative goes far beyond bricks and mortar.
“The goal is not just about building hubs, but also about scaling ideas, de-risking innovation and opening up access to capital for youth-led ventures. That is where this partnership becomes transformational”, she said.
Attafuah further pointed out the importance of value-chain development, technological integration and structural transformation in realizing Nigeria’s full economic potential.
“Nigeria is rich in resources like lithium in Nasarawa but the value is lost without technology. We want to connect innovation with trade, jobs and sustainable livelihoods. Our partnership with the University of Lagos to establish the first AI Core in Nigeria is a major step in that direction”, she said .
She further explained that all resources being deployed by UNDP in this regard are drawn from Nigeria’s own funding within the United Nations system.
“This is Nigeria’s money working for Nigeria. We welcome co-investment and shared governance of the hubs. We will also be glad to arrange study tours to other successful models in countries like Uganda and the United Arab Emirate (UAE$, Attafuah stated.
Responding, the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Sonny Echono, enthusiastically welcomed the partnership, emphasising its strategic alignment with the Fund’s core objectives.
He highlighted that the collaboration would significantly enhance the Fund’s ongoing initiatives in in novation, skills development and economic transformation, ultimately contributing to the nation’s growth and development.
Echono noted that the partnership would leverage synergies to drive meaningful impact in Nigeria’s education sector. By combining resources and expertise, he believed the partnership would foster a more conducive environment for research, innovation and skills development, thereby empowering the youth and enhancing the nation’s human capital. This he said, will in turn, position Nigeria for greater economic prosperity and global competitiveness.
Echono’s strong support for the partnership underscored the Fund’s commitment to advancing Nigeria’s education sector and promoting economic development.
“I am very glad to deepen this relationship. Nigeria has one of the most youthful populations in the world, smart, hardworking and curious. Innovation comes naturally to our people. What we must do is provide them with the right environment, infrastructure and platforms to thrive”, Echono said.
He revealed that TETFund is already supporting over 60 innovation hubs across tertiary institutions, with a goal to expand and synchronize efforts with UNDP-backed centres to enhance national impact.
“We started with 18 hubs and are scaling to 68 this year. We’re replicating a model in Abuja with Israeli startups and working with institutions to link students to local industries like Panteka in Kaduna and Computer Village in Lagos for hands-on learning. Your eight hubs will blend seamlessly with our network”, he explained.
The TETFund boss also highlighted additional initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s research and innovation ecosystem. “We have inaugurated a national committee on commercializing research outputs and are constructing six regional laboratories across Nigeria. Additionally, nine universities will benefit from renewable energy upgrades this year”, Echono disclosed.
The meeting marked a step in a growing partnership that both sides say could serve as a blueprint for leveraging education infrastructure for national development.
