The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sunny Echono
By JOHN ONAH, Abuja –
The Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny Echono has called on tertiary Institutions in Nigeria to produce entrepreneurs and not just graduates.
Arc. Echono made the call in Abuja when the Governor of Plateau State, Simon Lalong paid him a courtesy visit at the fund’s headquarters.
He said investments in creating entrepreneurs would go along way to curbing the menace of unemployment and consequently tackle the socio-economic problems prevalent in the country.
Echono stated that one of his primary goals is to make tertiary Institutions a place to produce entrepreneurs, noting that with the support of the federal government, TETFUND plans to reinforce the huge investments in the 13 new Universities to fast track their rate of progress with a view to achieving the purpose of establishing them.
He noted that President Muhammadu Buhari led adminiy has greatly given his full support to education, adding that this is evident in the recent presidential approval of upward review of Education Tax from 2 percent to 2.5 percent, which will enable TETFUND cope with increasing demands.
Arc. Echono expressed optimism that the Education Tax would likely increase to 3percent as the government hones in in educational investment.
“This investment, Echono emphasised would go into expanding the frontiers of education and the way education is structured in the country.
“The increased tax would facilitate the implementation of more developmental projects in the education sector” he said.
The Executive Secretary, alos expressed appreciation at the show of support from Governor Lalong, while pledging continued commitment to the development of tertiary education in the state.
Earlier in his remark, Governor Simon Lalong lauded the fund for the numerous iconic projects in plateau State, saying TETFUND has become a lifeline for various schools.
Governor Lalong sought the continuity of the good work by the Fund, while expressing his appreciation for its contribution to the development of education in the state and the northern region of Nigeria at large.
The Governor expressed optimism that the newly appointed Executive Secretary of the Fund, who he described as an educationist, with his track record as Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Education would keep up the good work of his predecessor, Prof. Elias Bogoro , whom the Governor said had made alot of impact in the development of tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
Assuring Echono of his support in discharging his duties, Governor Lalong said as the Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum , he would make sure the Executive Secretary get the support of other northern governor’s.
The Director, Office of the Executive Secretary, Arc.Uchendu Wogu, in a vote of thanks ,noted that all the good works by TETFUND as identified by the Governor, were the mandate of the agency which is obligatory to fulfill.
He expressed gratitude to the institutions in the State for their transparency in utilizing their allocated funds making it possible to attract more funds for the development of the institutions.
