President Bola Tinubu says the decision by his government to temporarily suspend the creation of new federal tertiary institutions stemmed from the need to consolidate and strengthen existing ones.
Speaking through the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal
University of Technology, Azure, FUTA, Prof. Temidayo Oladiji, at the 40th
convocation ceremony of the University of Ilorin, on Thursday, President
Tinubu, said “we prioritize quality over quantity, adequate resources will
therefore be channeled to existing institutions to enhance their capacity and
impact.
“Similarly, we are resolute in ensuring uninterrupted
academic calendars across our universities,” he stated.
President Tinubu also disclosed that the government has paid
earned allowances and part of the previously unpaid salaries of academic and
non-teaching staff.
He said the loan scheme for tertiary institutions staff has
also been designed to assist them in meeting present economic challenges, it is
a genuine economic empowerment, not a burden.
“I am confident that constructive engagement with unions
will continue to prevent future industrial disruptions, all staff unions to
sustain the spirit of dialogue and cooperation, he urged.
President Tinubu, called on individuals, alumni and the
private sector to complement efforts of the government as it remains committed
to increased investment in education.
He described education as too important to be left solely to
the government, adding that “the partnership of all stakeholders is vital in
building a prosperous and knowledge-driven nation.”
President Tinubu, congratulated the graduands and charged
them to remember that their degree is not a meal ticket, but a call to
leadership and responsibility, hence, they should use their knowledge to change
the narrative of the country.
“Be creative, innovative, and resilient, the future belongs
to you and it is your generation that must transform Nigeria into a nation of
our dreams.”
He admitted that the country is undergoing profound economic
reforms designed to restore stability, unlock productivity and secure a
prosperous future.
“I acknowledge the temporary hardships Nigerians face today,
but assure you these challenges are short-lived.”
In his speech, Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Prof.
AbdulWahab Olasupo Egbewole, urged the graduating students to embrace
integrity, focus and courage as they step into the next phase of their lives
because “the future begins now.”
He described the 40th conversation ceremonies as a milestone
and a symbol of maturity and readiness for greater impact, both for the
university and its graduates.
According to him, “At 40, a person is seen as mature and
responsible. Likewise, our university has come of age, this is the time to
stand firm, develop disciplined habits and make deliberate efforts to shape
your destiny.
“The future must be protected and not detailed by
distractions,” he added.
Prof Egbewole, commended President Tinubu for his
administration’s support for the education sector, the Education Minister,
Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq and the Emir of Ilorin among others.
In his goodwill message, the Executive Secretary of the
National Universities Commission, Prof. Abdullahi Yusuf Ribadu, described fifty
years as a significant period in the life of any institution and truly worthy
of celebration.
“Over the years, the University of Ilorin has recorded many
outstanding achievements and continues to distinguish itself as a true centre
of excellence.
“The University has nurtured a culture of critical thinking,
scholarship, and intellectual curiosity. Its graduates have excelled in diverse
professions, and today we celebrate not only their accomplishments but also
their potential to help position our nation to meet the challenges of the
twenty-first century,” Prof. Abdullahi stated.
He said the National Universities Commission, as the
government’s regulatory agency for university education, remains fully
committed to supporting all universities in the Nigerian University system.
“We will continue to monitor their operations and ensure
full compliance with regulatory and quality assurance standards, so that all
stakeholders derive maximum value from their investment in higher education.
“The Commission particularly notes with satisfaction the
University’s impressive success in attracting grants of over N12b from national
intervention bodies and international partners within the past two years. We
also commend the University’s digital drive and the effective utilisation of
TETFund’s one-billion-naira worth of equipment for its Innovation Hub.”
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
No comments
Post a Comment
Kindly drop a comment below.
(Comments are moderated. Clean comments will be approved immediately)
Advert Enquires - Reach out to us at NigerianEye@gmail.com