The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) recently honored 46 of its employees for their outstanding contributions during the 2024 service year.
The awards ceremony, held in Abuja, highlighted TETFund’s dedication to fostering a motivated and committed workforce, setting a benchmark for excellence within the organization.
The event featured two major categories of recognition: the Excellent Performance Awards and the Long Service Awards.
A total of 19 staff members were celebrated for their exceptional performance over the past year, while 27 employees received accolades for their long-term dedication to the Fund.
These awards also showed the organization’s commitment to motivating its workforce and acknowledging the efforts of those who contribute significantly to its mission.
In his keynote address, Arc. Sonny Echono, TETFund’s Executive Secretary, emphasized the crucial role that staff appreciation plays in motivating the workforce.
He said recognising employees not only boosts morale but also strengthens the organizational culture.
The Executive Secretary stressed the importance of the Long Service Awards as a key component of employee recognition, reinforcing the notion that longevity and commitment to the Fund were integral to TETFund’s success.
“Your dedication has made a tangible difference in state-owned institutions and all corners of this country. “Take this moment to rededicate yourselves to the service of the Fund. Recognize the true essence of service in what you do every day.”
Echono also encouraged the awardees to view their recognition as a tonic to inspire even greater effort in the future, while motivating those who didn’t receive an award this year to continue striving for excellence. “This is not just an award for today. “It is a motivation for the future to continue giving your best in advancing the Fund’s mission.”
The Executive Secretary went on to share some exciting news with the staff, announcing that the TETFund Board of Trustees had approved a long-awaited salary increase, which had been stagnant since 2011.
The announcement was met with loud applause and excitement from the staff, as it signaled a long-awaited recognition of their hard work and contributions.
“In the past, our salaries have remained stagnant for a long period, but this year, after much effort and advocacy, I am happy to announce that the Board has approved a salary increase for all staff members.
“Additionally, we will be paying outstanding salary arrears, which is a gesture of appreciation from the Board for your dedication.” The announcement not only brought joy to the awardees but also to the wider staff community, demonstrating TETFund’s commitment to ensuring that its employees are fairly compensated for their tireless efforts. “First, I would like to appreciate the chair and the Board of Trustees for the encouragement they’ve given us, and I am pleased to inform you that all our proposals relating to staff welfare were approved by the Board,” he said.
Echono continued. “When I briefed the Chairman about the fact that since 2011, our salaries have remained stagnant, he immediately recognized the need to address this issue. His leadership has ensured that this matter was resolved before the year’s end, bringing much-needed relief to the staff.”
Reflecting on the impact of TETFund’s work across the country, Echono noted the immense contributions the Fund has made to Nigeria’s higher education system.
He emphasised the fact that TETFund’s interventions have helped sustain and improve the quality of education in tertiary institutions nationwide, especially in state-owned universities and polytechnics.
Hon. Aminu Masari, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, also expressed his admiration for the Fund’s staff.
He commended their unwavering commitment to service, noting that their efforts had made his role as Chairman easier. Masari acknowledged the challenges of leading a public agency but praised the team for dispelling negative perceptions and creating a positive working environment at TETFund.
“When I first took on the role as Chairman, I heard many rumors about TETFund stories of a difficult working environment. But since coming here, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the dedication and commitment of the staff,” Masari said.
The highlight of the awards ceremony was the recognition of outstanding staff members through the Excellent Performance Awards. In the Silver category, five staff members were honored, while seven employees received the Bronze Award.
Six top performers were also recognized from TETFund’s zonal offices, which highlighted the Fund’s inclusive approach in acknowledging contributions from various locations.
The culminating honor of the evening was the Gold Award, which was bestowed upon Ms. Sanusi Gumbi. Ms. Gumbi was also named Staff of the Year for her exceptional contributions to the organization.
In addition to the performance awards, the Long Service Awards were presented to staff members who had dedicated years of service to TETFund.
The awards were categorised according to the number of years served. Ten employees received the Bronze Award for 5–9 years of service, 18 staff members received the Silver Award for 10–14 years of service, and nine employees were awarded the prestigious Gold Award for 15 or more years of service.
These awards celebrated the employees who had devoted themselves to the Fund for many years, demonstrating the organization’s appreciation for long-term commitment and loyalty.
TETFund’s 2024 awards ceremony not only celebrated individual achievements but also served as a reminder of the power of recognition in fostering a motivated and engaged workforce.
With a strong emphasis on performance, dedication, and long-term commitment, the event highlighted the integral role that staff play in the Fund’s success.
It also showcased TETFund’s enduring commitment to excellence and its people, ensuring that its employees remain motivated and empowered to continue their important work in transforming Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
As TETFund looks to the future, the 2024 awards ceremony was a powerful reminder of the importance of employee recognition in sustaining a high level of dedication and performance.
The Fund’s leadership, through these gestures of appreciation, has set a standard for excellence, ensuring that the workforce remains motivated and committed to achieving the Fund’s vision of fostering high-quality tertiary education in Nigeria.
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