The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, has been awarded a doctoral degree in Public Governance and Leadership by the Abuja Leadership Center (ALC) at the University of Abuja.

Echono’s academic achievement follows his successful thesis defense on July 18, 2025, fulfilling the requirements for the doctorate programme.

After the thesis defense and the conferment of the doctoral degree, Prof. Philip Dahida, the Director of the Center, commended Echono for his excellent presentation, courage, and relentless effort in navigating the challenges of the doctorate programme despite his busy schedule as a public office holder in Nigeria.

Prof. Dahida praised the Post Graduate School of the university, as well as the external and internal examiners, and the staff of the Center. He assured everyone of the institute’s commitment to equip the elite and ruling class in the country with essential knowledge in governance, leadership, and policy.

“I congratulate the Executive Secretary of TETFund for demonstrating excellence and successfully defending his research work. He has shown capacity and dedication, even amidst the sensitive and demanding position he holds in the country,” said Prof. Dahida.

He further commended the leadership of the Post Graduate School, both internal and external examiners, and the entire staff of the Center for their roles in making this achievement possible. “Rest assured, the Abuja Leadership Center is committed to supporting high-profile candidates and helping them achieve their best through education. Our doors are open as we continue to advance education among the elite and ruling class,” he added.

In response to receiving the doctorate award, Echono expressed gratitude to the institution for fulfilling its mandate of enhancing the knowledge base of citizens. He revealed that the knowledge acquired from the doctorate programme is critical in addressing issues related to the selection processes in universities, which have become significant sources of conflict across the country.

Echono urged those in leadership positions, especially in the public sector, to be transparent and inclusive in their decision-making, while stating that his research is relevant to moving the nation forward.

“The surest way to create a better country and university system for young people is to prioritize public interest over personal ambitions and short-term goals,” he emphasized.

He stated, “The knowledge I’ve gained during my research is directly relevant to the selection processes, which have caused conflicts between governing councils and university administrations, as well as between ministries and governing bodies. There persist issues of localization and the influence of politics and nepotism. By implementing a transparent and accountable template that involves stakeholders, while also incorporating checks and balances and rewarding performance, we can make progress.”

Echono further noted that applying this knowledge can enhance university rankings, allowing institutions to become globally relevant and better equipped to fill skills gaps. This, in turn, would produce graduates who are employable or capable of creating jobs.

“For our leaders, it is crucial to adopt a more transparent and inclusive approach—engaging everyone in decision-making processes. Leaders should consider long-term interests rather than personal or short-term gains. If we implement these changes, we will build a better country and university system that our youth can be proud to inherit,” Echono concluded.

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