TETFund: Nigeria’s Education Needs Urgent Modern Overhaul

The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Sonny Echono, has called for a complete overhaul of Nigeria’s education system to better prepare graduates for today’s job market.

He noted that this reform would also address the rising unemployment rates in the country.

During the 13th convocation lecture at Nile University in Abuja on Tuesday, Echono stressed that changes should reflect updated curricula, teaching methods, and institutional goals based on the economic realities of the 21st century.

The lecture, titled ‘Redefining the Nigerian Education System for the 21st Century Workforce’, highlighted the urgent need for universities to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

“Education needs to focus on access, quality, and measurable results.

“Graduates should acquire skills that enhance national and personal efficiency, drive technological progress, and support sustainable growth,” he said.

Echono pointed out the shortcomings of the colonial-era system that continued after independence and identified ongoing challenges that hinder progress.

He described these shortcomings as insufficient funding, outdated curricula, irregular teacher salaries, inconsistent policies, and poor infrastructure.

Echono stressed that tertiary institutions must meet community needs through programs aimed at workforce readiness, skills training, and research-driven innovation.

The TETFund leader called for collaboration between the government and the private sector to modernize the education system, arguing that sustainable national development depends on producing employable and socially responsible graduates.