President Bola Tinubu has promised to boost funding for federal universities across Nigeria, stressing that improved investment in higher education is essential for national development and global competitiveness.
Speaking on Friday at the 35th convocation ceremony of the Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo (AFUED), the President, represented by Prof. Adebayo Bamire, Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, said the government is aware of the numerous challenges facing universities and is taking action to address them.
“This administration is not oblivious of the predicaments in the universities,” Tinubu said. “From poor infrastructure to shortage of staff and the threat of cultism, we are taking commensurate steps to address these decisively.”
He noted that federal universities and other tertiary institutions have been included in the government’s strategic plan to improve funding and facilities to help them meet international standards.
Tinubu also acknowledged the special needs of colleges of education that have recently been upgraded to university status, promising government intervention to address their unique teething problems.
The President encouraged the graduating students to be bold, creative, and resilient in contributing to society. “Go out there and be problem-solvers. Be spontaneous, think outside the box, and strive to create legitimate wealth,” he urged.
The Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, praised the university for its role in advancing education despite numerous obstacles. He promised that the state government would continue to partner with the institution to promote development and social impact.
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of AFUED, Prof. Samuel Akintunde, disclosed that a total of 20,326 students graduated from the institution. This includes 12,556 students with first degrees, 6,269 students with the Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE), and 1,501 diploma holders.
Akintunde used the opportunity to appeal to the federal government for a take-off grant, saying the institution has not received any funding since its upgrade to a university. “All we have achieved so far has been through internally generated revenue,” he said. “We urgently need support to build new faculties, upgrade our laboratories, and improve learning facilities.”
Highlighting academic performance, he noted that 51 students graduated with First Class honours, 3,090 with Second Class Upper, 6,805 with Second Class Lower, 2,087 with Third Class, and 154 with Pass.
The university also conferred honorary doctorate degrees on Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Kiladejo; and Prof. Toyin Falola, a renowned scholar of African studies based in the United States.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Hajia Ganiyat Yusuf, reiterated the council’s commitment to supporting the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and pledged continued oversight to ensure growth and accountability in the university.
The convocation ceremony was a celebration of academic achievement and a renewed call for greater investment in Nigeria’s education sector.
