Dr Ocholi Assumes Duty as TETFund North Central Board Member, Commends Tinubu’s Infrastructure Drive

The newly appointed member of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) representing the North Central geopolitical zone, Dr. Hassan Abdulrahman Ocholi, has officially assumed duty, pledging to strengthen collaboration with staff and accelerate the delivery of TETFund’s mandate across the region.

Dr. Ocholi, who recently joined the Board following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, made the pledge during a familiarization visit to the TETFund North Central Zonal Office at NAGIS House, Mararaba, Nasarawa State, where he also inspected the ongoing construction of the Fund’s permanent four-storey zonal office complex.

The visit, which brought together management and staff of the zonal office as well as members of Dr. Ocholi’s entourage, was aimed at fostering a cordial working relationship, acquainting the new board member with the operations of the office and strengthening institutional collaboration.

Dr. Ocholi was warmly received by the North Central Zonal Coordinator, Mrs. Leticia Kpenbeen, who formally welcomed him before introducing him to members of staff.

In her opening remarks, Mrs. Kpenbeen described the North Central Zonal Office as an extension of the TETFund Headquarters charged with implementing the Fund’s mandate within the region.

She assured the new Board member of the office’s “unwavering cooperation, collaboration and institutional support” to enable him effectively discharge his responsibilities as the representative of the North Central geopolitical zone on the Board of Trustees.

Responding, Dr. Ocholi expressed appreciation to the Zonal Coordinator and members of staff for honouring the invitation despite the short notice.

He charged staff to remain committed to excellence, professionalism and national service.

“I urge you to remain determined, committed, diligent and dedicated in the discharge of your duties because dedication and hard work always speak for themselves,” he said.

The Board member stressed the need for professionalism, integrity, teamwork and patriotism, urging workers to embrace love, empathy, mutual respect and collaboration in the overall interest of Nigeria.

Introducing members of his entourage, whom he identified as colleagues from the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr. Ocholi assured staff that his assumption of office would mark the beginning of a closer working relationship with the North Central Zonal Office.

According to him, he intends to make regular visits to the office to strengthen cordiality, monitor developments and engage staff on issues relating to their welfare and the progress of the office.

During an interactive session with staff, Dr. Ocholi publicly commended the leadership of the Zonal Coordinator, describing Mrs. Kpenbeen as “a true inspiration whose leadership, dedication and vision have greatly motivated me to hit the ground running.”

He also assured staff that he would not disappoint the confidence reposed in him.

The goodwill message was delivered by Mr. Faruk Jibrin, who described Dr. Ocholi as “an accomplished executor” with a proven record of delivering on assigned responsibilities.

He assured the management and staff of the North Central Zonal Office of a robust and mutually beneficial working relationship between the new Board member and the office.

The visit also featured an interactive session during which members of staff and members of Dr. Ocholi’s entourage introduced themselves, exchanged ideas and discussed ways of strengthening collaboration in advancing the objectives of the Fund.

Architect Enefola, who delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of the staff, appreciated Dr. Ocholi for visiting the office and for his inspiring remarks, while reaffirming the commitment of the staff to work closely with him in achieving TETFund’s objectives.

Following the meeting, Dr. Ocholi inspected the ongoing construction of the permanent North Central Zonal Office, a four-storey complex expected to enhance the operational capacity of the Fund in the region.

After assessing the level of work completed, he assured staff that he would brief the Board of Trustees on the project’s progress and advocate for its speedy completion, noting the strategic importance of the North Central Zonal Office to TETFund’s operations.

Speaking after the inspection, Dr. Ocholi also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as massive infrastructure development across the country, particularly in the education sector through TETFund intervention projects.

He urged staff to remain focused on the agency’s vision of improving the quality of public tertiary education through efficient service delivery and prudent management of intervention funds.

Dr. Ocholi was appointed by President Tinubu to represent the North Central geopolitical zone on the TETFund Board of Trustees on 3rd of July 2026.

A seasoned administrator, scientist and public policy expert from Oganenigwu in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, Dr. Ocholi holds a PhD in Biological Sciences, Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Science in Public Health, master of Plant Science, and a master in Peace and Conflict Resolution. He has built a distinguished career spanning scientific research, banking, public administration, policy development and national service, including his work at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).

His appointment has continued to attract commendation from stakeholders across the North Central region and Nigeria at large. The Kogi State Government described it as a recognition of competence, academic excellence and distinguished public service, expressing confidence that he would strengthen TETFund’s interventions in tertiary institutions. Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, also congratulated him, saying his wealth of experience would enhance research, innovation and infrastructure development in Nigeria’s higher education sector.

The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), North Central Zone, similarly applauded President Tinubu for the appointment, describing Dr. Ocholi as a technocrat with the capacity to deepen educational reforms and support national development.

Established under the TETFund Act, 2011, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund is Nigeria’s foremost intervention agency for public tertiary institutions. Funded through education tax paid by companies operating in the country, the agency finances critical infrastructure, research, academic staff training and development, publications, library resources and other intervention programmes in federal and state universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

The North Central Zonal Office oversees TETFund intervention activities in Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau states as well as the Federal Capital Territory. Officials said the familiarization visit reinforced the shared commitment of the Board and staff to advancing the objectives of TETFund through teamwork, dedication and excellent service delivery.

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