Arc. Sunday Sylva Togo Echono
Arc. Sunday Sylva Togo Echono (born 16 December 1962) is a Nigerian architect, public administrator, and diplomat who currently serves as the 9th Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), a position he has held since March 2022. He previously served as the 28th President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (2019–2021) and held several top civil service positions across key federal ministries.
Early Life and Education
Echono was born on 16 December 1962 in Otukpo, Benue State.
- He attended St. Mary’s Primary School, Otukpo, and later St. Theresa’s and St. Murumba’s College, Jos.
- For his A-Levels, he enrolled at Murtala College of Arts, Science, and Technology (now Benue State Polytechnic), Makurdi.
- He earned his B.Sc. in Architecture (1983) and M.Sc. in Architecture (1985) from Ahmadu Bello University.
Career in Civil Service
Echono began his civil service career in 1987 as an architect with the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and rose through the ranks over three decades. Key roles include:
- Secretary, National Housing Policy Implementation Committee (1991–1994)
- Acting Chief Executive Architect and Committee roles in Lands and Housing (1993–1995)
- Deputy Director, Budget Monitoring and Price Intelligence Unit (2007–2008)
- Director of Procurement, Federal Ministries of Defence, Water Resources, Environment, Agriculture, and Power (2008–2014)
- Permanent Secretary,
- Federal Ministry of Agriculture (2014–2016)
- Federal Ministry of Communications (2015–2017)
- Federal Ministry of Education (2017–2022)
TETFund Executive Secretary
Echono was nominated in March 2022 and appointed Executive Secretary of TETFund by President Muhammadu Buhari. He assumed office on 18 March 2022, succeeding Suleiman Elias Bogoro.
Achievements
Under his leadership, TETFund: - Established partnerships with University of Brazil, British institutions, Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa, and the African Union. - Advanced international research collaborations, particularly in agriculture and education. - In July 2023, testified before the House of Representatives on the alleged abuse of N2.3 trillion in tertiary education tax funds, noting that over 137 foreign-sponsored scholars absconded.
Other Activities
- Chairman, Board of Nigerian Postal Service (2015–2017)
- Member/Chairman, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (2010–2015)
- Council Member, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (2010–2012)
Honours
- Awarded the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) for contributions to education administration in Nigeria.