The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, Sunny Echono has emphasized the key role of education and entrepreneurship in Africa’s path to greatness.
Speaking at the 9th Africa Leadership Magazine Summit in London, Echono emphasised that integrating education with entrepreneurial skills is essential for unlocking Africa’s potential.
A statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by TETFund’s Director of Public Affairs, Abdulmumin Oniyangi, said the event aimed to mobilise policymakers, business leaders, and other stakeholders to explore sustainable socio-economic strategies for the continent.
Echono stressed the need for genuine democratic practices, good governance, and transparency to achieve political stability and economic growth.
He also called for the efficient use of international funds to drive major infrastructure projects, particularly in energy, transportation, and communications.
Echono also highlighted the importance of prioritizing human capital by investing in healthcare, education, and poverty reduction to build a skilled, productive population.
He pointed out that empowering Africa’s youth through entrepreneurship education can drive innovation and economic growth.
He noted TETFund’s efforts in Nigeria to bridge educational gaps, including funding for research and innovation. TETFund’s initiatives, such as Research for Impact (R4i) and the TETFund Alliance for Innovative Research (TETFAIR), have supported numerous prototypes and innovations with commercial potential.
Echono revealed plans to establish new research laboratories, innovation hubs, and entrepreneurship centers in Nigeria that would help to foster groundbreaking research and development, enhancing entrepreneurship and job creation in line with global standards.