Toye Fisher
The Executive Secretary, Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Architect Sunday Sylva Togo Echono (OON), has advocated for universities’ autonomy in Nigeria as panacea for recurring problems in the system.
Echono, who delivered the Convocation Lecture at the 9th Convocation Ceremonies of Federal University Oye- Ekiti (FUOYE) on Saturday 22nd February, 2025 spoke on “University Autonomy and The Challenge of Quality Tertiary Education in Nigeria.”
He stated “that autonomy enables universities to enhance their infrastructure network, using collaboration with industries, alumni and other educational and research institutions.”
He went on: “University Autonomy also provides opportunities for global collaboration between many universities to share ideas and experiences, padegogy used for effective teaching and learning processes, research collaboration between different countries and facilitate global competitiveness.
”It is pertinent to emphasize that university autonomy should never be misconstrued to absolve the government of its responsibility to fund universities, nor does it connote abdication or privatization of universities.
Executive Secretary TETFund
“It has been acknowledged that less political and bureaucratic control on higher education systems promotes more autonomy for the universities to be creative and contribute to the all-round development of higher education teaching, research and community service.”
Meanwhile, the Vice- Chancellor, Professor Sunday Abayomi Fasina also seized the occasion to congratulate the new graduates and honourary awardees.
Vice Chancellor , Professor Fasina
He said: “Congratulations to all our graduates on reaching this significant milestone in your academic journey at FUOYE. Today marks not just the culmination of years of dedication and perseverance but also the beginning of a promising new chapter in your lives.
“It is with great pleasure that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to today’s honourary awardees. By receiving these well- earned distinctions , you join the esteemed ranks of FUOYE’s valued stakeholders, recognized for your outstanding integrity, selflessness and patriotic service to our great nation.”
Other highlights of the event included the award of honourary doctorate degrees to two former Attorneys-General of the Federation and Ministers of Justice, Senator Kanu Gabriel Agabi, CON, SAN and Chief Christopher Adebayo Ojo, SAN.
Others were the Managing Director of First Bank of Nigeria, Chief Segun Alebiosu and the CEO of Air Peace Airline, Dr. Allen Onyema.
Photo Credit: Nifesimi Ogungbe
