The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has reiterated its commitment to bridging the funding gap and providing infrastructure to Nigerian institutions after implementing reforms within the agency.
Speaking at an event in Lagos where he received the Outstanding Public Servant of the Year award, TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Sunny Echono, stated that the agency has embarked on reforms to improve its operations and better deliver on its mandate.
“Since we came on board, we have embarked on reforms to make the agency work better,” Echono said. “We are aware of the role TETFund plays in the provision of infrastructure and facilities in our institutions, as well as the training of academic and non-academic staff.”
Echono expressed satisfaction with the positive testimonies from beneficiary institutions and individuals, stating that they are encouraging signs of the agency’s progress.
While acknowledging that the reforms implemented may have adversely affected some individuals, Echono emphasised that the agency remains focused on achieving its goals.
“Of course, the magnitude and nature of the reforms implemented are going to affect some people adversely. We expect such people not to be comfortable,” he said.
Echono stated that the award would serve as further motivation for him and his team to work harder and achieve more in their pursuit of excellence.
Addressing concerns about the increasing number of institutions TETFund caters to, Echono assured that the agency is well-prepared to handle the growing demand.
“More institutions are being set up that need us, but we are up to the task. We have the arrangement to take care of them,” he said.
Echono explained that in states with multiple universities, TETFund alternates its commitments among the institutions, ensuring that each institution receives its fair share of support.
Furthermore, Echono emphasised that no projects embarked upon by the fund would be abandoned, and efforts would be made to ensure their prompt completion.
TETFund, established in 2011, is a federal government agency responsible for managing and disbursing funds for the rehabilitation, restoration, and consolidation of tertiary education in Nigeria.
