OAU at 65: TETFund Hails University’s Legacy, Says Research Key to Nigeria’s Future
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
TETFund Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono
ILE-IFE, Osun State – The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, has lauded Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, for sustaining its tradition of academic excellence and producing generations of graduates who continue to shape Nigeria’s development.
Echono made the remarks during a lecture held as part of activities commemorating the university’s 65th anniversary celebration.
He praised successive administrations of the institution for preserving the vision of its founding fathers and maintaining OAU’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s foremost centres of learning.
According to him, the university has consistently produced distinguished scholars, professionals, diplomats, administrators, entrepreneurs and recipients of the Nigerian National Merit Award who have made significant contributions across various sectors.
“OAU remains a symbol of academic distinction, strong leadership and intellectual excellence. Its enduring impact on national development is a testament to the quality of education it has delivered over the decades,” he said.
The TETFund boss stressed that research, innovation and knowledge creation remain critical drivers of economic growth and sustainable development.
He noted that nations that have achieved technological breakthroughs and industrial advancement did so through sustained investments in research and innovation.
Echono argued that modern economies increasingly depend on knowledge-based solutions rather than natural resources alone, adding that Nigeria’s developmental challenges require homegrown innovations.
He identified unemployment, insecurity, hunger, healthcare challenges, industrial limitations and technological dependence as areas that demand research-backed interventions.
The TETFund chief also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising policies that promote innovation and research-driven development.
However, he emphasized the need for increased funding, improved infrastructure, stronger industry-academia collaboration and effective commercialization of research findings to build a competitive innovation ecosystem.
According to him, TETFund has continued to support tertiary institutions through research grants, innovation hubs, entrepreneurship programmes and infrastructure interventions.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Professor Simeon Bamire, said the institution had continued to record remarkable achievements since its establishment in 1961.
Bamire announced that the university would inaugurate the N10 billion President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Centre of Excellence in Intercultural Dialogue and Youth Empowerment on June 8 as part of the anniversary celebrations.
He said the centre would serve as a hub for research, leadership development, innovation, youth empowerment and intercultural engagement.
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