The Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono has called on the Public Service Institute of Nigeria, PSIN, to develop a core of officers who can respond to the fast-changing dynamics of governance and elevate the quality of their service to meet the changing needs of society.
Echono made the call in Abuja while receiving a delegation from the Public Service Institute of Nigeria, PSIN, led by its Administrator and Chief Executive, Imeh Okon, on a courtesy visit to TETFund headquarters on Wednesday.
The TETFund boss lamented that the public service has been finding it very challenging to make that transition, which explains the disquiet about whether it is meeting its obligations to the larger society.
He noted that in today’s fast-paced and disruptive environment, the public service must rise beyond routine administration to become “an instrument for facilitating rapid development of both our economy and society.”
“As you did observe in today’s public service, which is dynamic, very disruptive, the changes are fast and sudden, we need to develop a core of officers that can respond to such disruptions and can elevate the quality of their service to meet the changing needs of society.
“It’s been the challenge for the general public service to make that transition and that’s why there has been some level of, if you like, disquiet about whether the public service is meeting its obligations to the larger society beyond just administering, to be the instrument for facilitating the rapid development of both our economy and indeed our society.
“So it’s a challenge that I believe institutions like you will join in addressing that continually through continuous professional development, building of skills and being able to update public servants,” he said.
Echono noted that TETFund has consistently prioritized staff training and capacity development as a core strategy for institutional excellence.
“At TETFund, we have invested heavily in our own personnel. The result is a vibrant, highly qualified workforce that generates innovative ideas, conducts critical analysis, and ensures informed decision-making,” he said.
The Executive Secretary also highlighted TETFund’s collaborations with agencies such as PSIN and JAMB to modernize administrative processes, including the adoption of real-time, paperless promotion examinations to enhance efficiency and integrity in assessments.
Responding to PSIN’s proposals for broader collaboration, Echono expressed interest in continuous professional development programmes, compliance training, and pre-retirement workshops for TETFund staff.
“It’s important for public servants to prepare early for life after service. Many struggle with that transition, and proactive planning can make all the difference,” he noted.
He assured PSIN of TETFund’s commitment to deepening existing partnerships and supporting initiatives aimed at rebuilding the competence, professionalism, and responsiveness of Nigeria’s public service.
“We have great respect for PSIN and the work you do. Continue to build on the legacy of your predecessors — TETFund will continue to stand with you,” Echono affirmed.
On her part, the Administrator and Chief Executive of PSIN, Imeh Okon, expressed the Institute’s desire to strengthen its partnership with TETFund to enhance capacity building, leadership development, and institutional governance within Nigeria’s public sector.
While describing her engagement with TETFund as part of her familiarisation tour since assuming office on September 1, 2025, she commended the Fund for its strategic contributions to tertiary education development and public sector capacity building.
She noted that the visit was aimed at “reviving and deepening an existing relationship that has evolved into a lesser engagement over time.”
“We want PSIN to be your first port of call when it comes to capacity building. Beyond the traditional training programmes, we are introducing new frameworks such as SMART-P, LEAD-P, and the induction programme to enhance professionalism and leadership in the civil service,” Okon said.
She explained that SMART-P focuses on equipping all staff with essential skills for effective service delivery, while LEAD-P prepares future leaders for higher responsibilities as directors and permanent secretaries. The induction programme, he added, ensures that new entrants understand the organizational culture and expectations from the onset.
The PSIN boss also proposed strengthening pre-retirement initiatives through the Institute’s Exit Masterclass, designed to help officers prepare at least five years before retirement for seamless integration into post-service life.
“Transitioning from the public service to the competitive marketplace can be challenging. We want to help officers plan ahead so that their exit is smooth, productive, and sustainable,” she said.