By Ngozi Nwankwo
Arc. Sonny Echono, Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), has underscored the pivotal 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.
Receiving the Africa Leadership Excellence Award in Educational Development from Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Davis, Echono highlighted the summit’s theme, “Africa Unleashed: Navigating Disruptions, Enhancing Opportunities,” as a call to action for global leaders.
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 advocated for robust policies and strategies to help Africa overcome obstacles and seize opportunities.
He called for a multifaceted approach to harnessing Africa’s potential, focusing on leadership reforms, effective use of funding for infrastructure, and enhancing regional integration.
Addressing leadership issues, 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.
On regional integration, Echono emphasised intra-African trade and collaboration to leverage the continent’s collective strengths. He advocated for a revival of Africa’s cultural identity to boost global partnerships and market access, as well as a focus on environmental sustainability and climate action.
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.
Looking ahead, Echono revealed plans to establish new research laboratories, innovation hubs, and entrepreneurship centers in Nigeria. These initiatives aim to foster groundbreaking research and development, enhancing entrepreneurship and job creation in line with global standards.
Echono concluded that linking education with entrepreneurship is crucial for Africa’s development, job creation, and sustainable growth.