The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny Echono, has added a new feather to his cap as he earns a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Public Governance and Leadership from the prestigious Abuja Leadership Center (ALC), University of Abuja.
The milestone achievement followed Echono’s successful defense of his doctoral thesis on July 18, 2025, marking the culmination of a rigorous academic journey pursued alongside his demanding role in Nigeria’s public sector.
Speaking at the defense session, Director of the Center, Professor Philip Dahida, commended Echono for his brilliant presentation, academic resilience, and unwavering commitment despite the pressures of public service. He described Echono as a model of excellence whose scholarly work will serve as a foundation for impactful leadership and policy development in Nigeria.
“I congratulate the Executive Secretary of TETFund for his dedication and success,” Prof. Dahida remarked. “He has not only fulfilled the academic requirements but has done so with distinction. This is a clear demonstration of capacity, even amidst the sensitivity and demands of national leadership.”
Dahida also appreciated the efforts of the Post Graduate School, the external and internal examiners, and the staff of the ALC. He assured stakeholders of the Center’s continued mission to deepen the knowledge base of Nigeria’s elite and public sector leaders.
In his response, Echono expressed profound gratitude to the University of Abuja and the Abuja Leadership Center for their role in equipping him with strategic knowledge essential for governance reforms. He emphasized the relevance of his research in tackling long-standing issues in Nigeria’s university system—particularly the politicization of appointment processes and the lack of inclusive governance.
“The knowledge I’ve acquired is directly applicable to the ongoing challenges in our universities,” Echono stated. “By fostering transparency, stakeholder involvement, and performance-based decision-making, we can resolve conflicts and build globally competitive institutions.”
He called on leaders in the public sector to embrace long-term thinking, inclusive governance, and transparent processes—urging them to prioritize national development over personal or short-term ambitions.
“This is not just a personal achievement. It is a call to action,” Echono said. “With the right knowledge and commitment, we can transform our systems and build a better country for the next generation.”
As Nigeria continues to seek transformative leadership across its institutions, Echono’s academic feat stands as a testament to the power of continuous learning and the importance of applying research to drive real change.
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