The executive secretary of the tertiary education trust fund (TETFund), arc. Sonny Echono has been conferred with a legacy award for advancing the course of education in Nigeria,
and has also been inducted into the “Colleges Of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) Hall Of Fame by the union.
The event which took place at the National Commission For Colleges Of Education (NCCE) in Abuja on Friday, was in honour of the 2024 International Teachers’ Day Celebration with the theme: Valuing Teachers Voices towards Repositioning Teachers Education in Nigeria.
Also awarded were, the best students in colleges of education with each representing the 6 geopolitical zones in the country with a cash prize
of 500,000 (five hundred thousand naira) for each student, and 1,000,000 (one million naira) for the overall best student.
Speaking with journalist immediately after the award, the E.S thanked the president of the federal republic of Nigeria for the opportunity to serve, and congratulated teachers world wide on their special day. He also pledged his commitment towards effectively using tax payers money for the growth of education.
According to the COEASU president, Dr. Smart Olugbeku, the union has instituted a scholarship for the best student in the college of education system in Nigeria through transparent, objective, & externally coordinated examination process whereby the best student from each zone was identified as well as overall best student.
The minister of State for education, Dr.Tako Yusuf Sununu while appreciating COEASU for the kind gesture, emphasized the ministry’s commitment to improve teachers’ welfare. He also said, in addition to COEASU’s awards, the federal government will also provide scholarship to the students as he directed that their information be submitted to the federal scholarship Board.
On his part, the executive secretary of the National Commission For Colleges Of Education (NCCE), Prof. Paulinus Chijioke Okwelle emphasized the need for continuous improvements in the status of teaching profession ensuring that it attracts the brightest & most passionate individuals.
Meanwhile, one of the beneficiaries,from Benjamin Uwajumogu State College Of Education in Imo State, NWAOHA JOHNSON OBINNA express joy & appreciation to COEASU & the federal government stating that this award has encouraged him to work harder than usual as well as boost other students level of studying. He promised to study hard in order to acquire the knowledge & have it at heart, and not just mere reading for exam sake.