Ekiti State’s Endeavor to Combat Poverty through Education

The Ekiti State Government in Southwest Nigeria is dedicated to fostering collaboration with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, Tetfund, to uplift productivity and eliminate poverty in the state through education and skills acquisition.

During a courtesy call with the Executive Secretary of Tetfund, Sonny Echono, in Abuja, Governor Abiodun Oyebanji expressed the state’s commitment to this endeavor. He emphasized that the right knowledge and skills are instrumental in boosting productivity, which, in turn, acts as a remedy for poverty.

“Ekiti State is the state of intellectuals. We firmly believe that education and the acquisition of the right mix of knowledge are the key to productivity, and productivity is the antidote to poverty. This is where education plays a pivotal role, and Tetfund plays a significant part in providing the foundation for knowledge acquisition. We want to partner with Tetfund and explore further areas of collaboration between the state government and Tetfund,” Governor Oyebanji affirmed.

He extended his gratitude to Tetfund for their consistent support, which has continually placed Ekiti State at the forefront of education in Nigeria. “I have come primarily to express our gratitude for all that you have done for Ekiti State, especially during the previous government’s tenure. Our shared prosperity campaign and contiguity mantras over the past year have further solidified the state’s position as an intellectual hub,” he added.

In response, Executive Secretary Sonny Echono assured that the collaboration would be deepened to enhance the state’s education system and provide opportunities for the youth and the nation as a whole. He took into account the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for the youth to contribute to national development.

Echono praised the performance of both state and federal government-owned institutions in Ekiti State that have benefited from Tetfund projects. He highlighted their intention to expand collaborations, particularly in cutting-edge research and enhancing facilities to foster partnerships with local and international industry players, donor agencies, and institutions, thereby contributing to national development. He encouraged other states to follow Ekiti State’s lead in continuing their commitment to education, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding the nation’s tertiary institutions and fostering competitiveness, retaining talented individuals, and spurring research and innovation to elevate living standards for all citizens.