TEDFUND boss calls for full autonomy for Nigerian universities

DDM News

The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, has called for full autonomy for Nigerian universities.

He made this appeal during a convocation lecture at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), on Saturday.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) Echono emphasized that teaching, research, and community service can only thrive when universities have greater independence.

He argued that the current policy does not allow universities to operate freely since the government retains control through governing councils.

He stressed that autonomy improves infrastructure, encourages collaboration with industries, alumni, and institutions, and enhances global partnerships for research and education.

“University autonomy provides opportunities for global collaboration, allowing institutions to share ideas, research, and effective teaching methods,” he said.

Echono further explained that granting autonomy would enable universities to generate funds independently and allocate resources more efficiently.

He highlighted that excessive government interference limits the ability of universities to attract international investments and partnerships.

He noted that universities in other countries thrive due to their ability to make independent decisions without bureaucratic bottlenecks.

He urged the Federal and State Governments to implement policies that would ensure universities operate with full autonomy.

According to him, a truly autonomous university system will attract the best talents and improve the quality of education in Nigeria.

He emphasized that universities must be free to design their curriculum, hire staff, and manage resources without external restrictions.

He argued that without autonomy, universities would struggle to compete globally and produce graduates equipped for modern challenges.

He encouraged university administrators to advocate for policies that grant them more control over their institutions.

He pointed out that autonomy would also enhance accountability since universities would be responsible for their success or failure.

He maintained that self-governance would enable institutions to set clear goals and work towards achieving them without unnecessary government interference.

He added that allowing universities to determine their own tuition fees and funding models would reduce their dependence on government allocations.

He suggested that a gradual transition to full autonomy would help universities adjust to the new system while maintaining stability.

He acknowledged that some universities might face challenges initially but insisted that long-term benefits outweigh the difficulties.

He noted that universities must take responsibility for their financial sustainability and explore innovative ways to generate income.

He pointed out that in many advanced countries, universities thrive because they have the freedom to pursue funding opportunities independently.

He encouraged Nigerian universities to strengthen their relationships with alumni and private organizations to secure alternative funding sources.

He argued that autonomy would empower universities to create specialized programs that align with national development goals.

He added that institutions would be able to focus on research areas that directly impact economic growth and societal progress.

He urged stakeholders in the education sector to support the call for full university autonomy.

He emphasized that Nigeria’s higher education system needs significant reforms to compete effectively on a global scale.

He called on policymakers to prioritize university autonomy in their education agendas to foster innovation and excellence.

He concluded that granting universities full autonomy would enhance efficiency, boost performance, and contribute to national development.

In response, FUOYE’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, praised TETFund’s contributions to university development despite economic challenges.

He reaffirmed his commitment to improving education quality and supporting initiatives that promote university autonomy.

He emphasized that increased independence for universities would lead to better research output and improved academic standards.

He called on government agencies and stakeholders to collaborate in implementing policies that grant full autonomy to universities.

He acknowledged that achieving autonomy requires a collective effort from all stakeholders in the education sector.

He expressed optimism that with proper implementation, university autonomy would lead to a more efficient and globally competitive education system in Nigeria.

Kindly share 🙏

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook