The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Mr. Sonny Echono, has called on both federal and state governments to grant full autonomy to universities. Echono made this plea during a convocation lecture at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, where he emphasized the importance of university autonomy in achieving quality tertiary education in Nigeria.
According to Echono, universities have three core mandates: teaching, research, and community service, which require a level of independence to function effectively. He argued that granting full autonomy to universities would enable them to build stronger networks, improve infrastructure, and collaborate globally to exchange ideas, experiences, and best practices in education.
Echono also highlighted the current limitations of university autonomy in Nigeria, citing the government’s retention of ultimate control through university governing councils. He urged the Federal Government to grant universities more autonomy to enhance infrastructure and foster collaboration with industries, alumni, and other educational institutions.
In response, the Vice-Chancellor of Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, commended Echono’s call for university autonomy, expressing gratitude to TETFUND for its continued support in promoting the university’s development despite economic challenges.
