In a renewed commitment to enhance educational development, the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny Echono has announced plans to allocate taxpayer resources more effectively.
His statements came during the College of Education Academic Staff Union’s (COEASU) 2024 International Teachers’ Day celebration, where he was honored with the prestigious Legacy Award on Friday in Abuja.
The event recognised Echono’s contributions to education and included awards for the best students in Nigeria’s Colleges of Education.
Celebrating the theme “Valuing Teachers’ Voices Towards Repositioning Teacher Education in Nigeria,” the ceremony also honored distinguished figures like Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and Alhaji Abdulmalik Mahmood, former Deputy Governor of Bauchi State.
In his address following the award presentation, Echono expressed gratitude for the recognition, highlighting the importance of effective resource allocation in the educational sector. “On behalf of the Board of Trustees, the management, and staff, we express our appreciation and renew our commitment to ensuring that taxpayer money is prudently deployed for the development of education in our country,” he stated.
He stressed the goal of equipping students with the skills needed to become competitive global citizens and contribute to national development.
The President of COEASU, Dr. Smart Olugbeko announced a scholarship initiative for the six best students from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, totaling N3.5 million.
He urged government agencies and private organisations to support these efforts to encourage excellence in education.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, presented awards to the top students, reinforcing the Ministry’s commitment to improving teachers’ welfare.
He also highlighted plans for federal scholarships and urged a reevaluation of teaching as a vital profession.
Prof. Josiah Olusegun Ajiboye, the guest speaker, advocated for improved remuneration for teachers and regular professional development opportunities.
He called for increased investment in educational infrastructure and a comprehensive teacher training program.
Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), Prof. Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle echoed the need to elevate the teaching profession to attract passionate individuals.
