Nigeria’s tertiary education system is facing a major crisis due to inadequate funding, according to Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND). Echono emphasized that the lack of sufficient funding is crippling tertiary institutions, making it difficult for them to build classrooms, lecture halls, and laboratories, as well as provide research grants to academic staff.
The TETFUND boss highlighted that Nigeria’s competitiveness in the 21st century relies on its ability to produce applied and theoretical knowledge in science, technology, and humanity, which can only be achieved through adequate funding. He also identified other challenges facing tertiary education in Nigeria, including poor leadership, poor policy implementation, lack of ICT facilities, insecurity, frequent industrial disputes, brain drain syndrome, and lack of essential resources.
Echono noted that the intervention of TETFUND has helped to alleviate some of the funding challenges faced by tertiary institutions. However, he emphasized that more needs to be done to address the systemic issues affecting the education sector.
To address these challenges, Echono advocated for university autonomy, which would enable institutions to function effectively without external influence or control. He emphasized that autonomy would allow universities to collaborate with industries, alumni, and other educational institutions, leading to improved quality of education and national development.
Echono also stressed the importance of providing adequate resources for tertiary institutions, including funding, infrastructure, and equipment. He noted that this would enable institutions to provide high-quality education and training, which is essential for Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
The TETFUND boss made these remarks at the Ninth Convocation Ceremony of the Federal University Oye Ekiti, where 8,444 students graduated with various degrees. Four eminent Nigerians also received honorary doctorate degrees at the ceremony.
In his concluding remarks, Echono charged the Federal University Oye Ekiti to remain steadfast in its commitment to providing high-quality education and research. He emphasized that the university has a critical role to play in addressing Nigeria’s development challenges and promoting national growth and prosperity.
