Dr. Hassan Abdulrahman Ocholi has expressed profound appreciation to the Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo, for nominating him for appointment as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), representing the North Central geopolitical zone.
Ocholi described the Governor’s gesture as a demonstration of confidence in his capacity to serve, promising not to disappoint the people of Kogi State, the North Central region and Nigeria.
Following the nomination by the governor, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu subsequently approved, appointing Dr. Ocholi to the governing board of the Federal Government’s tertiary education intervention agency.
Dr Ocholi’s appreciation was contained in a statement made available to journalists on Tuesday following the announcement of his appointment by the Presidency.
“I wish to sincerely express my deepest gratitude to His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, for finding me worthy of nomination for this important national assignment. I am truly humbled by the confidence he has reposed in me, and I assure him that I will justify this trust through dedicated, transparent and selfless service.”
“I equally thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for graciously approving the nomination. I consider this appointment a call to contribute my quota to the advancement of tertiary education and national development in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Dr. Ocholi also expressed appreciation to the people of Oganenigwu Ward, Dekina Local Government Area and the entire Kogi East Senatorial District for their support and solidarity.
He noted that the people had strongly canvassed his nomination and have continued to celebrate Governor Ododo for considering one of their own for the prestigious national assignment.
According to him, the appointment is not a personal achievement but a collective victory for Kogi East and Kogi State.
He assured the people of the North Central geopolitical zone that he would provide effective representation on the Board of Trustees by promoting equity, transparency and educational development.
“I assure the good people of the North Central that I will discharge this responsibility with utmost integrity, accountability and fairness. I will work closely with my colleagues on the Board and the management of TETFund to ensure greater investment in infrastructure, academic staff development, research, innovation and other interventions that will improve the quality of tertiary education across the region and the country.”
Dr. Ocholi is a seasoned administrator, scientist and policy expert with extensive experience in public service, scientific research, administration and policy engagement. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Biological Sciences, a Master of Business Administration (MBA), a Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Public Health and qualifications in Peace and Conflict Resolution.
Over the years, he has made significant contributions to research, public health, policy development, grassroots mobilisation and national development, earning recognition as an accomplished professional and development advocate.
Stakeholders from Oganenigwu Ward, Dekina Local Government Area and across Kogi East have also commended Governor Ododo for the nomination, describing it as a well deserved recognition of competence, experience and integrity. They said the Governor’s decision reflects his commitment to ensuring that qualified Kogites are given opportunities to serve at the national level.
Established by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Establishment, Etc.) Act, 2011, TETFund is the Federal Government agency responsible for managing and disbursing education tax to public universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across Nigeria. The Fund finances infrastructure development, academic staff training, research, library development, instructional materials and other strategic interventions aimed at improving the quality of tertiary education.
As a member of the Board of Trustees, Dr. Ocholi will join other members in providing policy direction for the Fund, ensuring accountability in the management of education tax resources and strengthening interventions designed to transform Nigeria’s public tertiary education system.
