The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, Arc Sonny Echono, has been named 2025 Personality of the Year and Tertiary Education Transformation Champion by Aljazirah Nigeria and London.
The award, which was conferred on Echono at a brief ceremony in his office on Friday in Abuja, was in recognition of what was described as his reform-driven and transparent stewardship of Nigeria’s tertiary education funding agency.
Chief Executive Officer of Aljazirah Nigeria and London, Dr. Etuka Bassey, who presented the award, said the honour followed “several weeks of nationwide assessment” by the organisation’s award committee.
Bassey, in his address, praised Echono’s tenure as one marked by “remarkable achievements driven by an ambitious era of reform,” noting that projects under TETFund have been delivered with “commendable speed, accountability, and value for money.”
“Our independent assessment team visited over 20 federal universities across Nigeria last year, and the impact speaks volumes, beyond administrative rhetoric. You have elevated the Fund into a strategic engine of research and intellectual achievement,” he said.
He highlighted key initiatives undertaken by the agency such as the National Research Fund, expansion of academic research platforms, and strengthening of the Nigerian Research and Education Network, describing them as deliberate efforts to position Nigerian universities within the global knowledge economy.
Bassey disclosed that Aljazirah undertook an extensive, convert investigation into Echono’s conduct in office, both locally and internationally, in a bid to verify his integrity.
“We delved into the darkest corners of global finance… hunting for illicit properties and offshore shell accounts. After several months of research, I make bold to say that the Executive Secretary of TETFund is remarkably untainted and not corrupt,” he said.
According to him, even covert operation, where investigators posed as contractors and interviewed staff, yielded no evidence of misconduct.
“Our findings revealed no corrupt practices of any kind involving the Executive Secretary,” he added.
Bassey said the outcome of the investigation has been documented in a 72-page report to be submitted to the President and anti-corruption agencies in August 2026.
“Your work stands as a reassuring reminder that purposeful leadership can transform systems and secure the future,” he said, adding that “Nigerians and the international community are proud.”
As part of the recognition, Aljazirah also produced a 3,000-page commemorative magazine in Echono’ honour, in line with what it described as a legacy of transformative leadership in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
Responding, Echono expressed deep appreciation for the recognition, describing it as an independent and credible validation of the Fund’s work.
“I’m greatly humbled… This is based on honest assessment of the performance of public officers, with nothing attached. It is very cheering news for us,” he said.
He dedicated the award to President Bola Tinubu, commending his administration’s support for TETFund and the education sector.
“The earliest approvals and highest volumes of funds made available to this organisation have happened under his leadership,” Echono noted, citing presidential backing for interventions such as addressing energy challenges in tertiary institutions.
He revealed that the President approved additional funding to complement TETFund’s efforts toward making campuses energy self-sufficient.
“He said, ‘go ahead… I will also mobilize additional money,’ and he kept his word,” Echono stated.
The TETFund boss also noted that early disbursement of 2026 intervention funds was carried out because the funds were approved in 2025 as evidence of improved efficiency.
He added that institutions had already begun implementing projects across the country.
“Our campuses are improving. Our lecturers are being recognised globally, and Nigerian youths are being equipped with the skills for tomorrow’s workforce,” he said.
Echono further pledged continued commitment to accountability and impact.
“We will rededicate ourselves to the service of our country… and deliver even more impactful projects and initiatives,” he assured.
