The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union, COEASU, has lauded the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, for its exemplary performance under the leadership of its Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono.
COEASU National President, Dr. Smart Olugbeko, gave the commendation during a courtesy visit by a delegation of Nigerian students from various Colleges of Education to the Union’s headquarters in Abuja.
The students visited the union to express appreciation for COEASU’s pivotal role in securing Federal Government approval for the Dual Mandate policy, which empowers Colleges of Education to award degrees alongside their traditional NCE programmes.
Speaking on behalf of the visiting students, Comrade Ahmed Akande expressed gratitude to the COEASU leadership for its unwavering efforts in the realisation of the Dual Mandate.
He, however, called on the Union to push further by advocating for monthly stipends for students undergoing teaching practice, just like their counterparts in Medicine and Engineering receive during housemanship and industrial attachments.
Responding, Dr. Olugbeko highlighted the critical role of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in signing the Dual Mandate bill into law, describing it as a landmark step in enhancing teacher education and the professional development of future educators.
“We must appreciate His Excellency, President Tinubu, not only for signing the bill but also for his favourable disposition towards the payment of teaching practice stipends to students and their supervisors,” Olugbeko said.
He further disclosed that the Federal Government is working on the implementation process, with TETFund identified as a key stakeholder in ensuring the disbursement and accountability of the teaching practice stipends.
According to Olugbeko, “The involvement of TETFund in the implementation process of the teaching practice stipend is a guarantee of its successful execution.
“TETFund, under Arc. Sonny Echono, has transformed into a beacon of excellence in public service and has become the main financial backbone of public tertiary institutions in Nigeria.”
He praised TETFund’s openness and transparency, noting that the agency willingly involves unions such as COEASU, ASUU, and ASUP in the monitoring of its interventions- a practice many other government agencies avoid.
“TETFund is one of the few public institutions in Nigeria that invites academic unions to oversee its operations. Their feedback mechanism has greatly improved the Fund’s effectiveness. This collaborative approach is why we consider TETFund as one of the most efficiently run government institutions in Nigeria today,” he added.
Highlighting the broader impact of TETFund’s interventions, Olugbeko said the Fund’s support for infrastructure, research, and staff development has positively shaped the landscape of tertiary education nationwide.
The COEASU President also used the occasion to commend the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, for what he described as a “transformational drive” in repositioning the nation’s education sector.
“Since assuming office, Dr. Alausa has demonstrated vision and commitment, especially in his support for the Dual Mandate. His efforts are setting a new tone for teacher education reform,” Olugbeko stated.
He reiterated COEASU’s commitment to the welfare of students in Colleges of Education and assured the visiting delegation that the Union would continue to champion policies that promote quality education and protect students’ interests.
“We are committed to supporting the development of tertiary education in Nigeria, and we will continue to work with all stakeholders to achieve this goal,” he assured.
Olugbeko concluded by advising the students to be diligent, disciplined, and responsible in their conduct.
“As teachers in training, you must embody the virtues of the teaching profession. Shun acts that can tarnish your reputation or that of your institution. Be worthy ambassadors wherever you find yourselves,” he admonished.
