The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has won the 2024 Anthology Visionary Award for its exceptional leadership in advancing education through technology.
In a statement issued by Abdulmumin Oniyangi, Director of Public Affairs at TETFund, the achievement was attributed to the agency’s significant contributions to integrating technology into the curricula and instructional methods of Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions.
The award ceremony, held at the Orlando World Centre in the United States, attracted over 2,000 global academic leaders.
In his acceptance speech, TETFund’s Executive Secretary, Arc. Sonny Echono emphasized that the agency’s initiatives align with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to revitalize Nigeria’s education sector and ensure all graduates achieve digital literacy before completing their studies.
On October 17, 2023, the Federal Ministry of Education, led by Prof. Tahir Mamman, introduced the Tertiary Education Research and Application Systems (TERAS) and Beneficiaries Identity Management System (BIMS) at the Federal Ministry of Education Auditorium in Abuja.
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This initiative, spearheaded by TETFund in collaboration with Anthology and Blackboard, seeks to create a more inclusive educational environment, enhance research and teaching, and improve student services across tertiary institutions.
Echono highlighted the crucial role of digital literacy in today’s educational and employment landscapes. He noted that while many countries have successfully incorporated digital skills into their curricula, Nigeria faces challenges such as outdated curricula, insufficiently trained educators, and inadequate infrastructure. These gaps result in graduates who are not fully prepared for technology-driven job markets.
To address these issues, TETFund is supporting over 280 public tertiary institutions with a comprehensive strategy to ensure all students achieve digital literacy.
The agency’s plan includes phased curriculum integration, educator training, global partnerships, and the establishment of a National Centre of Excellence for Digital Literacy and Emerging Skills.
During the event, participants were briefed on TETFund’s efforts to adopt learning management systems and improve student information management through advanced technology.