The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Mr. Sonny Echono, urged both Federal and state governments on Saturday to grant full autonomy to universities during a convocation lecture at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, in Ekiti State. He emphasized that universities—tasked with teaching, research, and community service—must operate with a significant degree of independence to function effectively.
According to Echono, the current policy on university autonomy falls short, as ultimate control still resides with university governing councils, thereby hindering their ability to innovate and excel.
Echono argued that greater operational freedom would enable universities to upgrade infrastructure, forge robust collaborations with industries, alumni, and other educational institutions, and facilitate global exchanges of ideas, research, and best practices.
“University autonomy also provides opportunities for global collaboration, allowing universities to share ideas, research, and effective teaching methods, benefiting the learning process,” he said.
He further asserted that enhanced autonomy would improve operational efficiency and overall performance, ultimately contributing to the development of quality education and national growth.
In response, the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Professor Abayomi Fasina, commended Echono’s insights during the institution’s 9th convocation ceremony.
Fasina expressed gratitude to TETFUND for its continuous support in promoting the university’s development despite economic challenges, and assured stakeholders of his administration’s unwavering commitment to enhancing and advancing quality education.
NAN
