TETFund Approves Salary Increase and Arrears Payment for Staff

The Board of Trustees of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has approved an increase in staff salaries, which have remained unchanged since 2011.

TETFund Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, made the announcement during a staff recognition ceremony in Abuja, highlighting the board’s decision to also clear salary arrears for the year.

“And they (the Board) also endorsed that we should actually pay your arrears this year,” Echono said, bringing relief to staff who have waited for this adjustment for over a decade.

The event celebrated the exceptional performance of 19 staff members, with awards also given to 27 employees for their long-term service to TETFund. “Staff appreciation, including long service awards, are essential elements of workforce motivation,” Echono stated, expressing gratitude for their dedication and contributions that have expanded TETFund’s impact nationwide.

He urged awardees to use their recognition as “an additional tonic to put in more effort” and encouraged others not to be discouraged. “Maybe next year, or the following year, it will be your turn,” he said, emphasising that the reward system is a continuous cycle.

Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Rt. Hon. Aminu Masari, also spoke, praising both the staff and the Executive Secretary for their efforts. “When I came here, I heard many negative stories, but what I found was a team committed to excellence,” he noted.

The ceremony’s highlight was the “Staff of the Year” award, which was presented to Ms. Sanusi Gumbi, who received the gold award. Additionally, 27 employees were honored for their long service, with categories ranging from Bronze to Gold.

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TETFund to Sponsor Four Medical Labs Across Nigerian Universities

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has announced initiative to enhance Nigeria’s healthcare system by sponsoring the construction of four state-of-the-art medical laboratories at universities across the country.

This move aims to foster advanced medical simulation and innovation in healthcare training.

TETFund’s Board Chairman, Aminu Bello Masari, unveiled the plan on Tuesday during the launch of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Medical Simulation and Innovation in Abuja.

“The state of our public healthcare system demands urgent investment in innovation,” Masari said, emphasising that medical simulation and telemedicine technologies would help elevate Nigeria’s healthcare standards.

The project, under TETFund’s 2025 intervention, will focus on simulation-based learning to train healthcare professionals without risk.

This cutting-edge method will help reduce medical errors and improve critical thinking skills, addressing the high mortality rates from unsafe practices.

Masari also highlighted telemedicine’s potential to improve access to healthcare, especially in underserved areas, by using digital tools like AI diagnostics and remote consultations to bridge the country’s significant doctor-patient ratio gap.

Prof. Wale Sulaiman, a renowned neurosurgeon, will lead the newly established committee to analyse healthcare gaps and propose digital health solutions.

TETFund Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, noted that the medical simulation technologies would support university health sciences programs, providing more educational opportunities and reducing reliance on international collaborations.

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TETFund Boss Honoured with Nigerian Patriotic Leadership Award

Arc. Sonny Echono, ES TETFund

The  Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny Echono has received the Nigerian Patriotic Leadership Excellence Award for his transformative impact on Nigeria’s education sector.

The ceremony took place on Wednesday in Abuja during a book launch themed “Celebrating Patriotism and National Development.”

Echono was recognised for significantly enhancing tertiary education through increased investment in quality education and skills development.

Barrister Ephraim Victor Okon, President of the Nigerian Patriotism Awards, highlighted the event’s purpose: “This esteem event is dedicated to recognising the unsung heroes and devoted citizens whose contributions have profoundly shaped our nation’s progress.”

Under Echono’s leadership, TETFund has implemented various reforms, including curriculum enhancements aimed at fostering creativity and critical thinking. Okon emphasised the importance of these initiatives: “The ongoing reforms at TETFund will bridge the gap between educational systems and societal needs, raising academic standards and empowering students to become job creators rather than job seekers.”

After accepting the award on Echono’s behalf, Abdulmumin Oniyangi, TETFund’s Director of Public Affairs, expressed gratitude for the recognition, stating, “This award will further stimulate the Fund’s management to greater productivity.”

He added that TETFund is committed to supporting initiatives that add value to Nigeria’s tertiary education landscape.

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TETFund Urges Integration of Education, Entrepreneurial Skills to Unlock Africa’s Potential

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has highlighted the importance of combining education with entrepreneurial skills to unleash Africa’s potential.

Speaking at the Africa Leadership Magazine Summit in London, TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono, stressed the need for this integration.

He received the Africa Leadership Excellence Award in Educational Development from Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis at the event.

Echono, in his acceptance speech, underscored the theme “Africa Unleashed: Navigating Disruptions, Enhancing Opportunities” as a clarion call for global leaders to take action.

He emphasised the significance of robust policies and strategies to help Africa overcome challenges and capitalize on opportunities.

According to TETFund’s Director of Public Affairs, Abdulmumin Oniyangi, in a statement on Friday, the summit aimed to bring together policymakers, business leaders, and stakeholders to discuss sustainable socio-economic strategies for the continent.

Echono emphasized the need for democratic practices, good governance, and transparency for political stability and economic growth.

He also highlighted the importance of investing in human capital through healthcare, education, and poverty reduction to cultivate a skilled and productive population.

Echono emphasized that empowering Africa’s youth through entrepreneurship education can foster innovation and drive economic growth.

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