Echono Advocates Merit-Based Leadership in Nigerian Universities

On June 18, 2026, Sonni S. T. Echono, the former Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), delivered a public lecture at Yakubu Gowon University in Abuja.

The lecture, titled "Leadership Selection Process in Governing Federal Universities in Nigeria (1993-2024)," focused on the evolution and challenges of university governance in Nigeria. Echono emphasized the decline of the tertiary education system due to factors such as poor funding, inadequate infrastructure, brain drain, and political interference.

He noted that despite Nigeria having the largest youth population in the world, the country ranks poorly in educational advancement. Echono called for a transparent and merit-driven selection process for university leaders to enhance institutional governance and attract the best talent.

He lamented the increasing influence of nepotism and ethnic considerations in leadership appointments, which undermine the quality of education and governance in Nigerian universities.