News

TETFund Boss Bags Icon Award, Lauds Nigeria’s Progress As Skilled Labour Hub

Published

11 months ago

April 24, 2025

The executive secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny Echono, has declared that Nigeria is fast becoming a global hub for skilled labour.

Echono stated this at the sidelines of the annual Vanguard Newspaper Personality of the Year Awards, where he was honoured with the prestigious Education Icon Award for 2024.

In his remarks, he praised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating transformative policies that are reshaping Nigeria’s education sector.

He emphasised that despite persistent challenges, the country’s educational system continues to produce individuals capable of competing on a global stage.

“Despite the odds, our graduates are far from being pushovers. They are thriving across the globe. Many of our young people are now working remotely for multinational companies from within Nigeria.

“This reflects the increasing demand for Nigerian talent and positions the country as an emerging skilled labour hub.”

He linked this development to the demographic shift occurring globally. While many developed countries face stagnant or declining populations and an aging workforce, Nigeria benefits from a growing youthful population.

“There is now a rising global demand for youthful, skilled workers, and Nigeria is well-positioned to fill that gap. That is why investment in education is more crucial than ever.”

Echono acknowledged the support received from the federal government. “I commend the Tinubu administration for the bold steps taken to improve education. At TETFund, we are doing our part by investing heavily in infrastructure, research, and capacity development across the country’s tertiary institutions,” he noted.

He revealed that the Fund has so far supported over 40,000 scholars for postgraduate studies, both locally and internationally. In order to prevent a mismatch between the quality of education abroad and what is obtainable in Nigeria, TETFund has been investing significantly in upgrading facilities on local campuses.

“We are modernising our institutions to match global standards,” he explained. “Our aim is to bridge the infrastructure gap and ensure students and researchers in Nigeria have access to the same quality of equipment and facilities as their counterparts abroad.”

Echono further stated that TETFund is working diligently to ensure that all projects are completed promptly to avoid cost overruns due to inflation. He stressed that monitoring has been intensified to ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency in project execution.

“The impact of TETFund is visible across tertiary institutions nationwide,” he added. “We are ensuring that all funded projects are delivered in good time and within budget. Monitoring mechanisms have been strengthened, and compliance is taken seriously.”

Responding to concerns about the increasing number of public tertiary institutions and whether the Fund may be overstretched, Echono explained that while the number of beneficiary institutions has grown, so too has the funding pool, largely due to increased education tax collections.

“Yes, more institutions are coming on board, but we have also seen a rise in the resources available to us,” he said. “Most importantly, we are managing these resources prudently and strategically, to maximize impact and ensure sustainability.”

Dedicating the Education Icon Award to President Tinubu, the Minister of Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, and the staff and management of TETFund, Echono said the honour would serve as a motivation for even greater commitment. “To whom much is given, much is expected. This award will inspire us to redouble our efforts in transforming the education sector.”

He also appealed to the leadership of beneficiary institutions to work closely with the Fund in the execution of legacy projects that would transform the face of tertiary education in Nigeria.

In its citation, the Newspaper described Echono as a transformative leader who has significantly advanced TETFund’s mandate since assuming office in 2022. According to the publication, Echono brought a new wave of efficiency and innovation to the organization, leveraging his vast experience in the civil service to drive meaningful change.

“Under his leadership, TETFund has achieved numerous milestones in the areas of physical infrastructure, research and development, academic staff training, and library development,” the citation read.

The newspaper noted that since his appointment, TETFund has funded over 5,500 physical infrastructure projects, supported the fabrication of 188 specialized equipment units, and facilitated the establishment of 576 faculty and departmental libraries in various institutions across the country.

Additionally, the organization has completed 13 Senate buildings and 19 modern libraries in public tertiary institutions. A total of 74 major projects have also been commissioned, with several inaugurated by high-ranking government officials, including the President.

Among the notable interventions is the provision of advanced laboratory equipment for Urology, Endourology, and Cancer Centres in six university teaching hospitals across the six geopolitical zones of the country—a move aimed at curbing medical tourism and reducing capital flight.

Echono’s administration has also made significant investments in research and development. In 2022, TETFund sponsored 270 research projects worth over N5.7 billion, and in 2023, another 185 projects received over N5.1 billion in funding. The organization has also expanded its Centres of Excellence from 24 to 27, promoting specialized research in priority areas.

Furthermore, academic staff development has remained a top priority. The Fund has sponsored 23,271 academic staff for PhD programmes, with 4,598 of them attending foreign universities. Another 15,977 academic staff members have benefitted from TETFund’s Master’s degree sponsorship scheme.

To further enhance institutional performance, TETFund has also developed and deployed the Tertiary Education Research, Applications, and Services (TERAS) Platform—a digital tool designed to streamline operations, promote data-driven decision-making, and improve transparency in fund allocation and usage.

Echono’s outstanding contributions to education have earned him accolades both at home and abroad. He is a recipient of numerous national and international honours, including Nigeria’s prestigious Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON).

The award, which adds to his growing list of recognitions, is a testament to the transformative impact of his leadership at TETFund. A formal award ceremony will be held at a later date, where Echono will be officially decorated with the Education Icon Award.

-Leadership

Education

NFVCB Boss Urges Stronger Distribution Channels As Coal City Film Festival 2026 Opens In Enugu

Published

9 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Olumide Ojo

The Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Dr Shaibu Husseini, has called for stronger distribution frameworks within Nigeria’s film industry to ensure that locally produced content achieves global visibility.

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‎Dr Husseini made this call while delivering the keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 2026 edition of the Coal City Film Festival, held in Enugu.
‎Welcoming participants to the festival, Dr Husseini expressed his personal delight at hosting the event in Enugu, his birth state, noting the city’s rich cultural heritage and longstanding contributions to Nigeria’s creative landscape.
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‎He commended the festival organisers, particularly the Festival Director, Uche Agbo, for their resilience and commitment in sustaining the initiative.
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‎ According to him, the Coal City Film Festival has grown into a significant cultural platform and a must-attend cinematic event in South East Nigeria.
‎Speaking on the festival’s theme, “Local Stories, Global Screens,” Dr Husseini emphasised the importance of authenticity in storytelling. He noted that films rooted in local realities, languages, and cultural truths often resonate more strongly with global audiences.
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‎He cited notable Nigerian productions such as “King of Boys” by Kemi Adetiba, “The Wedding Party” by Mo Abudu, “Anikulapo” by Kunle Afolayan, “Black Book” by Editi Effiong, and “Lionheart” by Genevieve Nnaji as examples of culturally grounded stories that have gained international recognition on platforms such as Netflix and at global film festivals.
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‎While acknowledging the growth in film production across Nigeria, the NFVCB boss identified distribution as a major bottleneck in the industry. He observed that many high-quality films struggle to reach audiences both locally and internationally due to limited distribution channels.
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‎Dr. Husseini therefore urged film festivals across the country to evolve beyond networking platforms into active marketplaces where filmmakers can secure distribution deals. He stressed that festivals must attract distributors, exhibitors, streaming platforms, and marketers to create tangible opportunities for filmmakers.
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‎“Film festivals must become gateways to distribution where filmmakers leave not just with applause, but with real opportunities,” he said.
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‎Reaffirming the Board’s commitment to industry development, Dr. Husseini stated that the NFVCB has continued to reposition itself as a partner in progress by engaging stakeholders, improving classification processes, and promoting a balance between creative freedom and social responsibility.
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‎However, he raised concerns over increasing non-compliance with regulatory requirements, noting that some filmmakers bypass the Board by releasing unclassified films or operating without proper licensing.
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‎He reiterated that all films and video works must be submitted to the NFVCB for classification and registration before being released on any platform, including digital platforms such as YouTube.
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‎“This is a legal obligation, and the Board will not hesitate to take decisive action against defaulters,” he warned, adding that regulation is essential for protecting the industry, audiences, and national values.
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‎Looking ahead, Dr. Husseini assured stakeholders of the Board’s continued collaboration with filmmakers and festival organisers to build a structured, sustainable, and globally competitive Nigerian film industry.
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‎He concluded by commending the organisers of the Coal City Film Festival for their vision and contribution to Nigeria’s cultural economy, urging filmmakers to continue telling authentic stories that can resonate across global screens.

-Leadership

News

Wike Reaffirms Nigeria–EU Ties, Moves To Reclaim Encroached Diplomatic Lands

Published

15 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Olumide Ojo

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the European Union, while announcing steps to recover diplomatic lands in Abuja allegedly taken over by land grabbers.

Wike made this known on Thursday during a courtesy visit by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, in Abuja.

He emphasised the importance of sustained cooperation between Nigeria and EU member states, noting that the partnership aligns with the broader policy direction of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

“We will continue to engage EU member countries to further strengthen bilateral relations,” the minister said.

Addressing concerns over diplomatic land allocations, Wike disclosed that several plots originally designated for EU countries had been unlawfully occupied over the years. He noted that the FCT Administration has begun reclaiming such lands.

“We discovered that some lands allocated to EU member countries were taken over by land grabbers. In recent weeks, we have moved to recover those lands by removing illegal structures,” he stated.

He added that the government would formally communicate with the affected countries to determine their continued interest in the properties and ensure rightful ownership is restored.

“We are writing to those countries. If they still intend to retain the lands, we are willing to return them. We will not allow land grabbers to take advantage,” Wike said.

The minister also commended the EU for its contributions to governance and justice sector reforms in the FCT, particularly in court digitalisation and improved justice delivery.

“I am aware of your support, especially in strengthening the administration and dispensation of justice. We will continue to partner with you to deepen these initiatives,” he added.

On requests for land allocation for local EU staff, Wike assured that applications would be considered based on due process, stressing that such processes must ultimately benefit the public.

He further addressed infrastructure concerns at the IBB Golf Club, confirming that a caretaker committee has been constituted, with rehabilitation works expected to commence soon.

In his remarks, Mignot described Nigeria as a key strategic partner for the EU, noting that both parties are entering a new phase of deeper engagement.

“The European Union remains one of Nigeria’s foremost trade and development partners. Our relationship is strong, mutually beneficial, and evolving into a more significant phase,” he said.

He highlighted ongoing EU-supported programmes in the FCT, including judicial reforms, court digitalisation, human rights initiatives, and support for victims of gender-based violence.

Mignot also invited the FCT minister to engage further with EU ambassadors to explore collaboration in areas such as waste management, urban planning, and water infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Wike recently ordered the demolition of buildings illegally constructed on land designated for foreign embassies in the diplomatic zone of Katampe Extension, Abuja.

He explained that the land, originally allocated on March 18, 2008, for residential use by diplomatic missions, was later encroached upon by an unauthorised developer who commenced construction without approval from the Federal Capital Development Authority.

The affected diplomatic missions include Thailand, Bulgaria, Syria, Somalia, Serbia and Montenegro, Japan, Austria, Switzerland, Senegal, and the Palestine Liberation Organisation.

-Leadership

News

Inspector-General Disu Submits 75-Page Framework On ‘State Police’ To Senate As Push Gains Momentum

Published

15 hours ago

March 27, 2026

Olumide Ojo

According to a statement issued on Thursday by Ismail Mudashir, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Deputy Senate President, the document titled “A Comprehensive Framework for the Establishment, Governance and Coordination of Federal and State Police” was presented at Jibrin’s office within the National Assembly complex.

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has submitted a 75-page framework on the establishment of State Police to the Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, in a fresh move to advance decentralised policing in Nigeria.

The report was delivered on behalf of the IGP by Prof Olu Ogunsakin, who chairs the Nigeria Police Force committee set up to develop modalities for instituting State Police.

Disu said the document encapsulates the Force’s professional input following extensive consultations and a thorough evaluation of the legal, operational and administrative implications of decentralised policing.

“The report covers the considered views, professional insights and strategic recommendations of the Force, derived from extensive consultations and a careful assessment of the operational, legal and administrative implications of instituting State Police in Nigeria,” Disu said.

“It is our expectation that the contents of this report will meaningfully contribute to ongoing deliberations and assist in shaping informed, balanced, and pragmatic decisions on this critical aspect of national security architecture.”

The police chief noted that the framework has been formally submitted to the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution as the Nigeria Police Force’s official contribution to the ongoing constitutional amendment process.

Responding, Senator Jibrin commended the IGP for what he described as a proactive step aligned with the security agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The Deputy President of the Senate commended the IGP for his proactiveness on the establishment of State Police in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda to fully secure the country,” the statement read.

He assured that the Senate Committee reviewing the Constitution would carefully examine the framework alongside other submissions as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s legal foundation.

The proposed framework is expected to outline the operational structure, governance model, and coordination mechanisms between federal and state policing systems— marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to overhaul Nigeria’s security architecture.

SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Disu inaugurated an eight-member committee in March to drive the implementation of State Police, declaring that the reform was irreversible.

At the inauguration in Abuja, the IGP insisted that decentralised policing “has come to stay,” dismissing concerns that it could threaten the roles of existing police personnel.

“State Police has come to stay, and the police should be able to contribute their part in making it succeed. The police are not afraid, our jobs are not being taken,” he said.

He described the committee’s assignment as urgent and critical, giving members one month to submit their report amid rising security challenges across the country.

Disu stressed that the move towards State Police is aimed at strengthening internal security by bringing law enforcement closer to communities and enabling faster, more targeted responses to threats.

“Across the nation, we continue to confront evolving security challenges. These require innovative thinking, strategic collaboration, and the willingness to explore reforms,” he added.

The push for State Police has gained renewed momentum following President Tinubu’s assurance that the plan would not be shelved, urging stakeholders to support the initiative.

-Sahara