TETFund hailed as model public institution in Nigeria
By Uji A. Iliyasu, Abuja
The President of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Dr Smart Olugbeko, has lauded the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for its exceptional service delivery and transparency under the leadership of Sonny Echono.
Dr Olugbeko made the commendation while addressing a delegation of Nigerian students from Colleges of Education who paid a courtesy visit to the COEASU leadership in Abuja. The students, drawn from various institutions nationwide, expressed appreciation to the Union for its pivotal role in the Federal Government’s approval of the Dual Mandate for Colleges of Education—an initiative granting them degree-awarding status.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Comrade Ahmed Akande praised COEASU for championing the Dual Mandate agenda. He, however, urged the Union to press further for the payment of monthly stipends to students undergoing teaching practice, similar to the allowances received by their counterparts in engineering and medical programmes during industrial training and housemanship.
In response, Dr Olugbeko encouraged the students to express gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the Dual Mandate Bill into law, and for his favourable disposition towards introducing stipends for teaching practice. He noted that implementation plans were underway and identified TETFund as a key stakeholder in the process.
“The involvement of TETFund in the implementation of the teaching practice stipend is a strong assurance of its successful delivery,” Dr Olugbeko stated. “Under Arc. Sonny Echono’s leadership, TETFund has become a beacon of excellence in public service and a cornerstone in the management of tertiary institutions in Nigeria. We are proud to associate with the Fund and trust it to uphold its hallmark of efficiency and transparency in disbursing the stipends when the time comes.”
Highlighting the Fund’s exemplary financial integrity, Dr Olugbeko pointed out that TETFund manages substantial resources annually and has remained remarkably open and accountable in disbursing funds to institutions. Unlike many government bodies, TETFund willingly engages academic unions such as COEASU, ASUU, and ASUP in the monitoring of its operations—an openness that has enhanced operational effectiveness.
“This consultative approach has made TETFund one of the best-run public institutions in Nigeria, widely recognised for its transparency, focus, and commitment to the advancement of tertiary education,” he added.
Dr Olugbeko also commended Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, for his proactive efforts since assuming office. He particularly acknowledged the Minister’s instrumental support in advancing the Dual Mandate policy, describing it as a transformative milestone in teacher education.
He expressed appreciation to the students for their visit and reaffirmed COEASU’s commitment to advocating for their welfare and educational advancement.
“We remain dedicated to the development of Nigeria’s tertiary education system and will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to achieve this collective vision,” Dr Olugbeko assured.
In his final remarks, the COEASU President urged the students to uphold the ethical standards of the teaching profession. “As future educators, you must embody the values and virtues of the noble teaching calling in all your endeavours,” he advised.