We Are Laying Foundation For Diversified Economy – Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said his administration has prioritized education in its policies and funding initiatives, as outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP) for a diversified economy.

The president represented by director Universities ,  Federal Ministry of Education, Hajiya Rakiya Gambon Iliyasu spoke  at the 42nd Founders’ Day and the 33rd Convocation Ceremony of the Federal University of Technology, Minna.

He said, “We are laying the groundwork for a diversified economy by investing in critical infrastructure, innovation, and capacity building. Through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), we have made significant strides in supporting students across tertiary institutions”.

“To date, NELFUND has disbursed over N104 billion in loans, benefiting more than 600,000 students, ensuring that financial challenges do not hinder access to quality education. Additionally, in the 2025 budget, we have allocated N940.5 billion to TETFund, a testament to our commitment to improving educational infrastructure and manpower,” the president added.

He stated that his government remained resolute in addressing challenges in the education sector, including ensuring industrial harmony in universities. It has taken steps such as renegotiating the 2009 agreement with university staff unions and resolving salary issues.

He, therefore, urged the graduates  to embrace the opportunities that lie ahead as they have been equipped with knowledge and skills to innovate and contribute to the society.

The  governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, who was among the  three conferred with Honorary Doctorate Degrees, announced a cumulative N500 million in endowments for the university in the areas of agriculture, entrepreneurship and technological innovations .

Other recipients of honorary Doctorate degrees include the governor of Kaduna State Uba Sani and Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, the senator representing Niger East who appreciated the efforts of the university and acknowledged the innovations at the university.

The vice chancellor of the university Prof Farouk Adamu Kuta disclosed that 5,816 students were graduating and that the university has opened linkages that have improved innovative research and learning.