FG tasked on education reform, funding

The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny S. T. Echono, has urged the federal government to increase investment in education to prepare Nigerian graduates for the demands of the 21st century workforce. Speaking at the 13th Convocation Lecture of Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, on Tuesday, Echono said the country’s […]

The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny S. T. Echono, has urged the federal government to increase investment in education to prepare Nigerian graduates for the demands of the 21st century workforce.

Speaking at the 13th Convocation Lecture of Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, on Tuesday, Echono said the country’s education system has “for decades struggled to adapt to the evolving requirements of a globalized world.”

He noted that while progress has been made, Nigeria still faces challenges in producing graduates with relevant skills. “Technology and entrepreneurship as transformative pillars need to be integrated into the core of Nigeria’s education system, particularly in an era dominated by artificial intelligence and rapid technological advancements,” he said.

Echono stressed that critical areas such as infrastructure, teacher training and digital resources remain underfunded. He urged government to meet the UNESCO benchmark of allocating 15–20 percent of the national budget to education. “Countries such as Rwanda and Kenya that are prioritizing education are making significant strides,” he added.

On curriculum reform, the TETFund boss said subjects like data science, renewable energy, artificial intelligence and financial literacy should be introduced at secondary and tertiary levels. He commended ongoing efforts by the Federal Ministry of Education but insisted more must be done to align learning with global labour market demands.

He also called for deliberate investments in ICT infrastructure to expand broadband access, noting that only 35 percent of Nigerian students had internet access in 2020. “To fully realize the potential of digital education, Nigeria must address the underlying issues of access, affordability and quality,” he said.

Echono also highlighted the importance of teacher training, entrepreneurship education and vocational skills.

He said tertiary institutions must equip students with the mindset to become job creators rather than job seekers. He cited the University of Lagos’ Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Business Incubation Certification programme as a model.

On vocational education, he urged Nigeria to emulate Germany and South Korea, where dual systems combine academic learning with practical training. He added that STEM education must be strengthened to close existing gaps.

He also advocated for public‑private partnerships to bridge resource gaps, saying such collaborations would be vital in transforming Nigeria’s educational landscape.