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| TETFund Vows to Tackle Corruption in Tertiary Institutions |
The Executive Secretary of Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Mr. Sonny Echono, has vehemently denied allegations of corruption in the agency, describing claims of a multi-billion naira contract fund misappropriation as totally untrue. In an interview on Thursday, Echono emphasized that since assuming leadership, due process has been strictly adhered to in all activities.
Reacting to a petition by the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre) to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regarding alleged graft in TETFund, Echono clarified that the agency has been working to sanitize the education sector and tackle corruption. He explained that Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are used for training programs, which are distinct from contracts, and that all projects are advertised and subject to scrutiny by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Echono also disclosed that the agency will recover monies collected by lecturers for overseas training not attended and emphasized that the era of misusing government funds is over. TETFund is working with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to identify defaulters, recover funds, and impose appropriate punishment.
Partnerships with foreign firms have expanded ICT infrastructure in tertiary institutions, and the agency does not usurp FEC's powers in awarding contracts. Echono's commitment to transparency and accountability aims to restore trust and integrity in the education sector.
