
The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, has made a compelling case for greater autonomy for Nigerian universities, emphasizing its crucial role in fostering academic excellence and innovation. Echono’s call comes amid ongoing discussions about the need to revitalize the nation’s higher education sector.
Speaking at a recent academic conference in Abuja, Echono asserted that granting universities more autonomy would empower them to make strategic decisions, manage their resources effectively, and adapt to the rapidly evolving demands of the global academic landscape.
“University autonomy is not just a matter of administrative convenience; it is a fundamental prerequisite for academic excellence,” Echono stated. “When universities are given the freedom to manage their affairs, they become more agile, responsive, and capable of driving innovation.”
Echono’s call for university autonomy aligns with ongoing efforts to reform Nigeria’s higher education sector and enhance its global competitiveness. He urged stakeholders, including government officials, university administrators, and academic leaders, to engage in constructive dialogue and work towards implementing reforms that would empower universities to fulfill their mandate