President Bola Tinubu has said his administration will enhance quality education through the implementation of strategic policies in the sector.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Mr Zephaniah Jisalo, said this at the 27th Convocation of the University of Abuja on Saturday.
He said that one of the key strategies of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ is financial autonomy for tertiary institutions which will encourage universities to source funds through grants and corporate sponsorships.
According to him, this will help to promote sustainability for universities and remove dependency on the government.
Tinubu said that his administration is resolute to reform the education sector.
He said government would continue to deploy meaningful resources through regular and special interventions.
Tinubu said the administration would ensure that the nation’s universities and other tertiary institutions are adequately funded to meet the collective aspirations even in the face of dwindling national income.
On the issue of strikes, the President said that his administration is conscious of the fact that industrial actions are accepted as legitimate means deployed by workers in fighting for their welfare and better conditions of service.
He commended the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) for their maturity, cooperation and understanding which led to the resolution of an impeding nationwide strike.
“We recognise the rights of workers to embark on strikes as instrument for pressing home their demands.
“However, our administration will like to caution that incessant strikes and sustained industrial unrest have crippled effects of the wellbeing of any society.
“Our public universities are living testimonies of the disruption, instability and irreparable damage caused by strikes to the tertiary education sector.
“In the same vein, I want to assure the unions that henceforth, any agreements and memoranda signed between them and the government will be implemented to the latter,” he said.
Tinubu added that the administration is determined to ensure that Nigerians, particularly students, parents and all stakeholders in the education sector, are not subjected to harrowing experiences of the unnecessary closure of tertiary institutions.
He commended the management of the University of Abuja, and both academic and non-academic members of staff, for their efforts in piloting the affairs of the university.
He advised the graduates to be ambassadors of change, putting all the skills and knowledge they have acquired to make the country a better place.
“As you celebrate your achievements today, I urge you all to leverage on the knowledge and skills acquired during your academic pursuit to contribute meaningfully to the society by caving a better future for yourselves.
“You are the torch bearers of the nation and we awaits the impact you will all make. I advise you all to make Nigeria what it should be by your remarkable impacts,” Tinubu said. (NAN)
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