Otamere Gladness 
TETFund Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono
ABUJA, Nigeria – Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), is named 2025 Personality of the Year by Aljazirah Nigeria, recognising sweeping reforms in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
The award, presented in Abuja on Friday, follows what organisers describe as a rigorous nationwide assessment of Echono’s leadership and institutional impact.
Chief Executive Officer Etuka Bassey says independent evaluators visited more than 20 federal universities, citing “remarkable achievements driven by reform, accountability and value for money.”
“Our findings show TETFund has evolved into a strategic engine for research and innovation,” Bassey says.
He highlights interventions including the National Research Fund and expansion of the Nigerian Research and Education Network, noting improved global competitiveness of Nigerian institutions.
Bassey adds that integrity checks—spanning months and multiple jurisdictions—found no evidence of corruption.
Responding, Echono describes the award as “an independent validation” of TETFund’s work and credits Bola Tinubu for sustained support.
“The highest levels of funding and early approvals have occurred under this administration,” he says.
Echono reveals new funding approvals targeting energy self-sufficiency in tertiary institutions and early disbursement of 2026 intervention funds.
He says visible gains include improved infrastructure, stronger research output and global recognition for Nigerian academics.
About the Author
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
