The future of Nigeria’s public universities lies in strong leadership and transparent governance.
This was the central message delivered by Arc. Sonny Echono, the Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), during a recent convocation ceremony.
Echono highlighted the importance of accountability, integrity, and collaboration in overcoming the challenges facing the country’s higher education system.
Leadership: More Than Just a Title
Leadership, according to Echono, goes beyond holding a position of authority.
It is about inspiring trust, making courageous decisions, and serving with integrity. “True leadership is about setting an example, guiding others, and taking responsibility for the outcomes of your decisions,” he said.
Echono stressed that leadership should focus on long-term goals, fostering unity, and providing a clear vision.
At the same time, governance plays a critical role by ensuring accountability and transparency. Together, they form the backbone of a successful and sustainable education system.
Challenges in Nigerian Universities
Echono didn’t shy away from addressing the challenges that hinder the progress of Nigerian universities. From bureaucratic delays to resource mismanagement, he outlined several issues:
Inefficiency in governance slows down decision-making.
Lack of accountability affects resource allocation and transparency.
Infrastructure deficits hinder teaching, research, and international collaborations.
He emphasized that without addressing these problems, the country’s higher education system cannot achieve its full potential.
Building a Stronger Education System
To move forward, Echono proposed practical solutions:
Establishing transparent leadership appointment processes to build trust.
Strengthening university autonomy to reduce political interference.
Creating independent monitoring mechanisms to enhance accountability.
These steps, he said, will ensure that leaders are chosen based on merit and that governance structures remain transparent and effective.
Investing in the Future of Education
Echono also called for increased investment in higher education. With Nigeria’s growing youth population, the potential for economic and social growth is immense.
However, this can only be achieved by improving infrastructure, embracing technology, and equipping students with the skills needed to compete in the global economy.
“Higher education is the key to national development and long-term prosperity,” he noted.
A Call for Collective Action
Echono urged all stakeholders—government officials, university administrators, faculty, and students—to work together toward a shared goal: creating a higher education system that is inclusive, transparent, and globally competitive.
“With visionary leadership and good governance, Nigeria’s universities can become hubs of innovation and progress, preparing our youth to lead on the global stage,” Echono concluded.
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