President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has affirmed the government’s resolute efforts to quell industrial actions in universities across the country.
Speaking through Mrs. Rakiya Iliyasu, the Director of Tertiary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, during the 17th convocation ceremony of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Tinubu addressed the university community as its visitor.
Tinubu acknowledged the existing challenges in higher education and assured that the government is strategically and comprehensively addressing issues. The President emphasized a multifaceted approach, tackling infrastructure and human capital deficiencies through initiatives like the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund).
Expressing the government’s determination to make industrial actions a thing of the past, Tinubu underscored the importance of fostering a better relationship between unions and the government.
Recognizing the financial demands of university education, he called for a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, stating that government alone cannot shoulder the responsibility.
Commending TETfund’s interventions in the university, Tinubu encouraged the institution to take ownership of these initiatives and ensure they serve their intended purposes effectively.
In the convocation report, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Charles Esimone, highlighted the graduation of 6,000 first-degree students, 3,300 postgraduate diploma students, 807 master’s degree students, and 600 doctorate degree students. Notably, three distinguished Nigerians—Abdul-Samad Rabiu, Ikenna Okafor, and Okey Anueyiagu—were bestowed with honorary doctorate degrees.
