The President of the Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU), Dr. Smart Olugbeko, has praised the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) for its outstanding performance, particularly under the leadership of its Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono.
Dr. Olugbeko gave the commendation in Abuja while addressing a delegation of students from Colleges of Education who visited the COEASU leadership to express appreciation for the Union’s role in securing the Federal Government's approval of the Dual Mandate, which grants degree-awarding status to Colleges of Education.
Speaking on behalf of the students, Comrade Ahmed Akande applauded COEASU’s leadership and urged the Union to push for the inclusion of monthly stipends for students on teaching practice, similar to the allowances given to students in Engineering and Medicine during their industrial training or housemanship.
In response, Dr. Olugbeko advised the students to extend their gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the bill into law and for his support towards the payment of stipends to both students and lecturers on teaching practice. He confirmed that the Federal Government is currently working out the implementation framework, with TETFund identified as a key stakeholder in the process.
“The involvement of TETFund in this initiative guarantees effective execution,” Dr. Olugbeko stated. “Under Arc. Sonny Echono, TETFund has become a symbol of excellence and transparency, and a vital pillar in the sustenance of public tertiary institutions in Nigeria.”
He highlighted TETFund’s openness to accountability, noting its collaboration with academic staff unions such as COEASU, ASUU, and ASUP in monitoring its operations. According to him, this partnership has fostered greater efficiency and transparency.
“TETFund disburses substantial funds yearly, yet remains one of the few institutions that welcomes scrutiny from academic unions. This transparency has made it one of the best-run government agencies in the country,” he added.
Dr. Olugbeko also commended the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for his impactful leadership. He acknowledged the Minister’s unwavering support for the Dual Mandate policy, describing it as a transformative step for teacher education in Nigeria.
He assured the visiting students of COEASU’s continued commitment to their welfare and academic advancement.
“COEASU remains resolute in advocating for your interests and will keep working to ensure your concerns are addressed,” he said.
The COEASU President encouraged the students to maintain high moral standards and be exemplary representatives of their institutions.
“As future educators, you must embody the values and ethics of the teaching profession in everything you do,” he advised.
