The Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Fund (TETFund), Sunny Echono, has clarified that the reforms being carried out by the agency were part of moves to place the organisation in a better stead to deliver on its mandate.
He, however, warned that despite its critical role in bridging the funding gap and providing critical infrastructure in the nation’s tertiary institutions, the agency must not be allowed to become a victim of corruption or mismanagement.
He stated this while receiving an award of Outstanding Public Servant of the Year by Champion Newspapers Limited.
Echono said: “Since we came on board, we have embarked on a number of reforms to further make the agency work better and deliver on its mandate to the good people of Nigeria. We are aware of the role TETFund plays in the provision of infrastructure and critical facilities in our higher institutions, as well as the training of academic and non-academic staff.”
Despite criticisms and complaints from some persons opposed to his reforms, Echono said his administration remains committed to uplifting the nation’s tertiary institutions.
“We are glad that testimonies from beneficiaries – schools and individuals, are positive and encouraging. However, because it is an agency that is known to be achieving a lot, we attract the attention of people. The nature of reforms will, no doubt, affect some people adversely; but as a public servant, one must develop thick skin and move on to do the best he can,” Echono stated.”
He added that the award would propel him and his team to work harder and move the agency to greater heights.
On whether the agency is not being stressed by the increasing number of institutions being attended to, Echono said TETFund was up to the task.
“We have arrangements in place to take care of the institutions. For instance, if a state has more than one university, we alternate our commitment among them,” he explained.
Echono also gave the assurance that projects embarked upon by the fund would not be abandoned, as efforts would be made to complete them.
