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TETFund Boss Echono Bags PhD in Public Governance and Leadership

Published

1 year ago

July 18, 2025

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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Eagle Times Newspaper Will Be Voice for Nigerians – Publisher Chukwunyere Vows

Published

4 hours ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Publisher of The Eagle Times Nigeria, Sir Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has pledged that the newspaper will promote accountability, credible journalism and public-interest reporting in its coverage of national affairs.
Chukwunyere made the commitment on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during the official unveiling and launch of The Eagle Times Nigeria.

He said the new media organisation was established not merely to add another newspaper to Nigeria’s media landscape, but to provide a platform committed to serving the public interest.

According to him, the newspaper’s guiding philosophy, “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation,” places a responsibility on the organisation to listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight issues affecting their daily lives and scrutinise those entrusted with public responsibilities.

“To be a voice for the people means that we must listen to Nigerians, tell their stories, highlight their concerns and give visibility to issues that affect their daily lives,” he said.

The publisher added that The Eagle Times would be guided by accuracy, fairness, professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism, stressing that the newspaper would not publish stories merely because they were sensational.

“We will verify. We will investigate. We will seek the other side. We will correct our mistakes when we make them,” he said.

Chukwunyere further stated that the newspaper would endeavour to give individuals and organisations the opportunity to respond whenever allegations were made against them.
“Our commitment is not to any political party, government or individual. Our primary commitment is to journalism, to truth and to the Nigerian public,” he said.

He noted that the newspaper was launching at a time when the media industry was undergoing rapid transformation, with audiences increasingly consuming news through digital platforms, including websites, television, podcasts and social media.

He said The Eagle Times would therefore operate as a multimedia organisation, combining its newspaper with digital platforms and The Eagle Times TV to reach audiences across different channels.

According to him, the organisation also intends to create opportunities for young journalists, writers, photographers, producers, digital creators and other media professionals to develop their skills and contribute to journalism and national development.

Chukwunyere said the newspaper’s coverage would include politics, governance, business, economy, security, judiciary, education, health, technology, sports, entertainment, lifestyle and international affairs.

He, however, said the organisation intended to distinguish itself not only by the subjects it covered but by the quality and approach of its journalism.

We want to tell stories that matter, we want to investigate issues that require investigation, we want to highlight Nigerians who are making a difference, and we want to give communities that are often ignored an opportunity to be heard,” he said.

The publisher acknowledged the challenges involved in establishing a newspaper, saying the venture required investment, commitment, professional discipline and the courage to pursue an idea.

He expressed appreciation to the management, editorial, reporting, production and digital teams, as well as families, friends, partners and supporters who contributed to the establishment of the organisation.

Chukwunyere also assured readers, viewers and the newspaper’s digital audience that The Eagle Times would strive to earn their trust and remain accountable to the standards it had set for itself.

He said the newspaper’s success would not be measured only by circulation figures, website traffic or social media followers, but also by the confidence Nigerians placed in its journalism.

“Today, we spread our wings. Today, The Eagle Times takes flight,” he said, reaffirming the newspaper’s commitment to its slogan: “The Voice for the People, The Watchdog for the Nation.”

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