President Bola Tinubu has expressed the readiness of his administration to inject more funding to all Nigerian universities to be able to compete with other ivory towers across the globe.
Tinubu who also said his administration is not oblivious of the predicaments in the nation’s universities, assured that his administration is taking commensurate steps to address these challenges decisively.
The president spoke at the 35th convocation of the Adeyemi University of Education, Ondo, Ondo State, on Friday.
Addressing the gathering, President Tinubu noted that the paucity of funds to adequately handle administrative matters is a general and perennial challenge for most tertiary institutions.
Represented by the Vice Chancellor of Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Professor Adebayo Banire, the president assured Nigerians that universities and other tertiary institutions have been factored into the plans of his administration for more funding.
“There are wholesome challenges of infrastructural decadence, shortage of manpower and growing insecurity in the campuses including cult fraternities among students and staff. We are taking commensurate steps to address these challenges decisively.
“My administration was faced with a serious economic downturn at inception and steps have been taken to fix the economy, which was not too palatable but the positive results of our efforts are becoming noticeable to Nigerians.
“Worthy of mention also is the effort of my administration to be on the same page with the staff-based unions of universities and check incessant industrial actions,” he said.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Samuel Akintunde disclosed that 18,556 graduands were being conferred with first degrees while 6,269 were being conferred with the Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE)..
Akintunde further hinted that about 1,501 were being awarded Diploma in Computer, saying, “We are proud of you all and hope that you will be outstanding in your positive endeavours as you contribute to the development of Nigeria in the various corners of the country you find yourself.”
Also, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the University, Hajia Ganiyat Adeola Yusuf, called on the Federal Government to assist the university in building essential faculties for the expanding academic offerings and fast release of the start -up fund for the University.
In his address at the event, the Ondo State governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa, assured that his administration would continue to prioritise educational advancement and make lives easier for the citizenry.
