Tinubu to Education Unions: Develop Local Funding Model

President Bola Tinubu has called on education unions to work with the government to create a sustainable funding model that addresses local needs while following global best practices.

Mr. Tinubu made this request during the 77th foundation day and 2025 convocation ceremonies at the University of Ibadan (UI) in Ibadan on Monday.

He was represented by Abdullahi Ribadu, who is the executive secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC). Mr. Tinubu acknowledged the ongoing efforts of university unions to increase investment in education.

However, he noted that the current challenges can be solved if everyone collaborates.

“Since my administration began, we have taken intentional steps to reduce crises from the failure to implement agreements between the government and various university unions.

“Our government values quality education and is committed to providing our youth with the education they need to navigate and shape the future.

“With that in mind, I want to thank the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other staff unions for their understanding as we seek long-term solutions to the challenges facing universities in our nation,” the president stated.

Mr. Tinubu also pointed out that it would not be practical to allocate all national resources solely to the education sector. His administration has consistently pursued new ways to improve education funding.

“Our tertiary institutions, in particular, have seen great benefits from these efforts through increased support for the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND),” he explained.

He added that any university that does not significantly contribute to national and global development is not fulfilling its basic purpose.

Mr. Tinubu urged Nigerian universities to conduct a thorough self-assessment to see if they are meeting the expectations of both the national and global communities.

“How well are we preparing students to be agents of change?” the president asked.

He also congratulated UI for reaching another important milestone and encouraged the graduands to embrace curiosity and change.

In his speech, UI chancellor Sa’ad Abubakar raised concerns about the challenges caused by inadequate funding.

“We hope that Nigeria’s economic situation will improve to support the implementation of this administration’s effective policies,” Mr. Abubakar said.

The pro-chancellor of UI, Bisi Akande, stressed the need to remove bureaucracies and barriers that impede the smooth operation of UI and other Nigerian universities.

Mr. Akande called for a renewed commitment to the values of integrity, respect, and excellence at UI.

The vice-chancellor (VC), Kayode Adebowale, who announced that this would be his last event as VC, expressed gratitude to everyone who has supported his tenure.