Tinubu Calls for Collective Funding Support to Strengthen Tertiary Education

Tinubu Calls for Collective Funding Support to Strengthen Tertiary Education
One thousand and thirty students received postgraduate degrees
The President urged academics to prioritise research that responds to the nation’s pressing needs

President Bola Tinubu has appealed to stakeholders in the education sector to work with his administration to address the financial challenges facing tertiary institutions across the country, Eko Hot Blog reports.

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Speaking on Saturday at the thirty sixth convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Technology Akure in Ondo State, the President stressed that education should not be left to the government alone.

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At the event, one thousand and thirty students received postgraduate degrees, while one thousand seven hundred and seventeen students were awarded first degrees on Friday.

Tinubu, represented by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Universities Commission Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, explained that although the Federal Government remains committed to supporting tertiary education, sustainable funding requires collective effort.

He said, “While the Federal Government does not have any intention of abdicating its responsibilities to higher educational institutions, the time has come for all stakeholders to take another look at the previous model of absolute reliance on government for funding and review the educational system for sustainable financing.

Tinubu Calls for Collective Funding Support to Strengthen Tertiary Education

“It is also very important to emphasise that the relationship between tertiary institutions and industry must be strengthened. Research outputs should be meaningful and useful to industries for mutual benefit.

“All over the world, funding of government owned universities is a shared responsibility among all stakeholders.”

The President also urged academics to prioritise research that responds to the nation’s pressing needs.

Addressing the graduating students, Tinubu encouraged them to apply their knowledge to boost national development.

“I believe you have been adequately prepared to confront the challenges of the competitive labour market. I encourage you to deploy your skills in entrepreneurship, agriculture, information technology, and science based innovation to create jobs and become self reliant.

“The government expects you to defend your status as graduates through hard work, patriotism, and commitment to national unity, peace, and progress,” he added.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Akure Professor Adenike Oladiji reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to teaching, research, and community service.

She revealed that all eighteen academic programmes presented for the National Universities Commission accreditation exercise between November and December 2024 received full accreditation status.

To expand access to higher education, she noted that the university introduced a Top Up programme for Higher National Diploma holders in the 2024 to 2025 academic session. The programme currently offers nineteen degree options across various schools.