OAU@65: TETFund Commits N2bn to Tinubu Centre of Excellence, Calls for Research-Driven Development

Benjamin Oluwakasayo Emmanuel 

The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny Echono, has announced an initial N2 billion funding commitment towards the proposed N10 billion President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Centre of Excellence in Intercultural Dialogue and Youth Empowerment at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.

Echono made the announcement on Wednesday during the third day of activities marking OAU’s 65th anniversary celebration, held at Oduduwa Hall.

The funding commitment, which received applause from participants, is expected to provide a foundation for the establishment of the Centre while reinforcing TETFund's partnership with the university in advancing research, innovation, and national development.

Speaking on the lecture theme, "Driving National Development Through Research and Innovation," Echono said Nigeria's challenge is not a shortage of ideas but the inability to effectively implement them.

According to him, research, innovation, and development projects must move beyond conception to proper execution, monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement if they are to create meaningful and lasting impact.

"Nigerians and Africans are not short of ideas. The real challenge lies in implementation," he said.

The TETFund boss also stressed the need to create an enabling environment for academics to focus on teaching, research, and mentoring future generations, noting that innovation and knowledge production remain critical to national growth and global competitiveness.

Earlier, participants were treated to a documentary presentation titled "Scenes from Africa's Most Beautiful Campus" by Zvi Efrat. The documentary explored the architectural history, development, and founding vision of OAU, highlighting the role of deliberate planning and visionary leadership in building enduring institutions.

The guest lecturer's citation described Echono as a distinguished public servant whose contributions to education and national development have significantly impacted Nigeria's tertiary education sector.

In his remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of OAU reiterated the institution's commitment to research excellence and innovation while calling for increased investment in infrastructure and academic development. He identified inadequate facilities, weak industry collaboration, and structural challenges as major obstacles to research productivity in Nigerian universities.

The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted ongoing infrastructural projects within the university, including the construction of the new Senate Complex, and appealed for greater support towards improving students' learning environment and welfare.

Goodwill messages were delivered by several dignitaries, including the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Professor Rafiu Adejare Bello, who emphasized the need for sustained investment in education, infrastructure, security, and student welfare.

Other highlights of the event included the commissioning of the PBLAT Intercultural and Innovation Centre, a symbolic presentation of documents to TETFund, and the recognition of principal officers, deans, heads of departments, and members of the Governing Council.

As the programme drew to a close, students of the Department of Communication and Media Studies and the Faculty of Science presented gifts to Echono in appreciation of TETFund's support for academic development, including its role in facilitating the department's building project and its continued commitment to research and innovation.

The event, which attracted students, researchers, members of the press, university staff, and distinguished guests, concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research, Innovation and Development), Professor Akanni Akinyemi.