Arc Sonny Echono receives award for transformative impact in education sector

Arc. Sonny Echono, the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), has been recognized with the African Leadership Excellence Award in Education Development by the African Leadership Magazine. This prestigious award acknowledges Echono’s remarkable contributions to the advancement of education and entrepreneurship across Africa.

The award ceremony took place during the 9th African Leadership Magazine Summit in London from July 17 to 18, 2024. The summit, themed “Africa Unleashed: Navigating disruptions, enhancing opportunities” brought together policymakers, business leaders, diplomats, and thought leaders to explore sustainable socio-economic development pathways in Africa.

TETFund under Arc. Sonny Echono has made significant strides in enhancing Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. One of the key areas of progress has been the increased investment in quality education and skills development. This investment will provide a globally competitive workforce, driven by curriculum reforms that foster creativity, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial skills. The ongoing reforms at TETFund will successfully bridge the gap between educational systems and societal needs, raising academic standards and empowering students to become job creators rather than job seekers. TETFund has launched several innovative programs and initiatives under Echono’s stewardship. The “Research for Impact” (R4i) program has benefited over 600 lecturers, leading to the development of 95 prototypes aimed at commercialization. The TETFund Alliance for Innovative Research (TETFAIR) has trained 44 teams of 176 researchers, producing significant prototypes such as an affordable, self-programmable hearing aid suitable for the African market. Additionally, TETFund is sponsoring the establishment of regional multi-purpose research laboratories, innovation hubs, and entrepreneurship centers in tertiary institutions to foster groundbreaking research and technological development.

Echono has spearheaded the adoption of ICT to increase access to education, supporting hybrid models of online and face-to-face learning. During an oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Tertiary Education Trust Fund, significant transformations were acknowledged in various areas of TETFund’s Intervention Programme from 2021 to 2023. These achievements align with the eight-point agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Notably, TETFund has allocated N17 billion to research and development, sponsored the development of a COVID-19 vaccine now at the clinical stage, and equipped many teaching hospitals with modern equipment to reverse medical tourism outside the country.

Arc. Sonny Echono’s visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence have rightfully earned him the African Leadership Excellence Award in Education Development. His contributions inspire and guide Africa towards sustainable development and global prominence, painting an optimistic vision for Africa’s future driven by education and entrepreneurial innovation.