Dr Hassan Ocholi Assumes Duty as TETFund North Central Board Member, Commends Tinubu’s Infrastructure Drive
By Yahaya Idris, Abuja
The newly appointed Board of Trustees (BoT) member of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) representing the North Central geopolitical zone, Dr Hassan Abdulrahman Ocholi, has officially assumed duty, promising to strengthen collaboration with staff and accelerate the implementation of TETFund’s mandate across the region.
Dr Ocholi, who was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on 3 July 2026, made the pledge during a familiarisation 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 brought together management and staff of the zonal office alongside members of Dr Ocholi’s entourage and was aimed at fostering institutional cooperation, strengthening working relationships and acquainting the new board member with the operations of the office.
Warm Reception at North Central Zonal Office
Dr Ocholi was received by the North Central Zonal Coordinator, Mrs Leticia Kpenbeen, who formally welcomed him before introducing him to members of staff.
In her remarks, Mrs Kpenbeen described the North Central Zonal Office as an extension of the TETFund Headquarters responsible for implementing the agency’s intervention programmes across the region.
She assured the new board member of the office’s unwavering support and cooperation to enable him effectively discharge his responsibilities.
“We assure you of our unwavering cooperation, collaboration and institutional support in the discharge of your responsibilities as our representative on the Board of Trustees,” she said.
Commitment to Excellence and Teamwork
Responding, Dr Ocholi expressed appreciation to the management and staff for honouring the invitation despite the short notice.
He urged employees to remain committed to professionalism, diligence, integrity and teamwork in delivering on TETFund’s mandate.
“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,” Dr Ocholi said.
He further encouraged staff to embrace patriotism, mutual respect, empathy and collaboration in the overall interest of national development.
Closer Engagement with Staff
Introducing members of his entourage from the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA), Dr Ocholi assured staff that his tenure on the Board would usher in stronger collaboration with the North Central Zonal Office.
He pledged to make regular visits to the office to monitor progress, engage with employees and address issues relating to staff welfare and institutional development.
During an interactive session, Dr Ocholi praised 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 justify the confidence reposed in him through effective representation and service.
Goodwill Message Highlights Leadership Qualities
Speaking on behalf of Dr Ocholi’s entourage, Mr Faruk Jibrin described the new board member as “an accomplished executor” with a proven record of excellence and effective leadership.
He assured the zonal office of a productive and mutually beneficial working relationship between the Board member and TETFund staff.
https://globaltimesnigeria.com/2026/07/08/ododo-hailed-as-ocholi-joins-tetfund-board-of-trustees/
The visit also featured an interactive session where staff and members of Dr Ocholi’s delegation exchanged ideas on improving collaboration and advancing the objectives of the Fund.
Delivering the vote of thanks, Architect Enefola expressed appreciation to Dr Ocholi for the visit and his motivational address.
He reaffirmed the commitment of staff to working closely with the new Board member in achieving TETFund’s mandate.
Inspection of Permanent Zonal Office Project
Following the meeting, Dr Ocholi inspected the ongoing construction of the permanent North Central Zonal Office, a modern four-storey office complex expected to significantly improve the operational efficiency of the Fund within the region.
After assessing the progress of the project, he pledged to brief the Board of Trustees on the level of work completed and advocate for its speedy completion.
According to him, the project remains strategically important to strengthening TETFund’s service delivery across the North Central zone.
Commends Tinubu’s Infrastructure Agenda
Speaking after the inspection, Dr Ocholi commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as significant infrastructure development across Nigeria, particularly in the education sector through TETFund intervention projects.
He noted that sustained investment in education infrastructure remains essential to improving the quality of teaching, learning and research in public tertiary institutions.
The Board member urged staff to remain committed to efficient service delivery and prudent management of intervention funds in line with TETFund’s vision.
Distinguished Academic and Public Service Career
Dr Hassan Abdulrahman Ocholi, a native of Oganenigwu in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, is a renowned scientist, administrator and public policy expert.
He holds:
PhD in Biological Sciences
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Science in Public Health
Master’s Degree in Plant Science
Master’s Degree in Peace and Conflict Resolution
His professional career spans scientific research, banking, public administration, policy development and national service, including his work at the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).
Appointment Widely Applauded
Dr Ocholi’s appointment has continued to receive widespread commendation across the North Central region and beyond.
The Kogi State Government described his appointment as recognition of competence, academic excellence and distinguished public service.
Similarly, Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, congratulated him, expressing confidence that his experience would strengthen research, innovation and infrastructure development in Nigeria’s tertiary education sector.
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), North Central Zone, also commended President Tinubu for the appointment, describing Dr Ocholi as a seasoned technocrat capable of advancing educational reforms and supporting national development.
About TETFund
Established under the TETFund Act, 2011, the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) is Nigeria’s foremost intervention agency for public tertiary institutions.
Funded through education tax paid by companies operating in Nigeria, the Fund supports:
Infrastructure development
Academic staff training
Research and innovation
Library development
Publications
Teaching and learning facilities
Other strategic intervention programmes
The North Central Zonal Office supervises TETFund intervention projects in Benue, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger and Plateau states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Officials said the familiarisation visit reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Board and staff to delivering TETFund’s mandate through professionalism, accountability and excellent service.
