The Federal Government has called on Nigerian universities to seek additional funding sources in light of economic constraints.
President Bola Ahmad Tinubu delivered this message during the 6th & 7th combined convocation ceremony of Federal University, Dutse, held on Saturday.
Represented by Professor Kabir Bala, Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, President Tinubu stressed the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for universities, albeit within financial limitations.
He urged universities to take proactive steps in exploring alternative funding channels, emphasizing the importance of self-sufficiency given the prevailing economic conditions.
Additionally, he encouraged universities to pursue international funding opportunities for research and to leverage global partnerships for financial support.
Tinubu highlighted that government funding alone cannot meet the financial needs of universities, particularly amidst economic challenges and competing priorities from various sectors.
However, he assured that the government would continue to provide support within its means to enable universities to fulfill their mission as educational pillars and drivers of national development.
He concluded by reaffirming the administration’s commitment to assisting universities in achieving their objectives, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
