FG to Reconstitute Universities’ Governing Councils – Tinubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced that the Federal Government is set to reconstitute the governing boards of federal universities in a bid to rejuvenate these institutions. This announcement was made during the 27th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Abuja on Saturday.

Represented by the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Hon. Zaphaniah Jisalo, President Tinubu emphasized that the new governing councils would give top priority to the implementation of recommendations made by various visitation panels across the universities.

He stated, “Efforts are ongoing to reconstitute the governing councils of the universities so as to reinvigorate the institutions in line with the renewed hope mandate of my administration. When inaugurated, the councils will be expected to commence, immediately, the implementation of the white paper on the reports of the various visitation panels in their respective universities. Let it be known that the government will neither accept nor condone any shoddy performance in the implementation of the white paper, nor the overall mandate of the new governing councils.”

President Tinubu praised the University of Abuja for its continued efforts in maintaining operational momentum and expressed his commitment to repositioning the nation’s political economy, restoring hope for millions of Nigerians.

He also commended the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) for their cooperation and maturity in resolving a recent nationwide strike threat. While acknowledging the legitimacy of strikes as a means for workers to advocate for better conditions, President Tinubu cautioned against the detrimental effects of prolonged industrial actions on society, particularly in the education sector.

President Tinubu emphasized the importance of stakeholders in the education sector, including tertiary institutions, working together to prevent unnecessary closures of educational institutions. He noted that challenges, particularly in the management of succession in universities, need to be addressed.

Regarding funding, President Tinubu highlighted the need for collective responsibility, stating that government alone could not bear the burden of funding education, especially given recent economic challenges and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In conclusion, President Tinubu assured the unions that agreements and memoranda signed between them and the government would be diligently implemented, along with regular funding through government appropriation and special interventions.

During the ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah, revealed that a total of 7,034 students were graduating this year. Among them, 39 achieved First Class honors, 1,581 earned Second Class Upper Division, 3,702 received Second Class Lower Division, 573 graduated with Third Class, and 149 attained Pass grades. Additionally, 87 students from the University of Abuja Business School were conferred with Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) degrees.

President Tinubu’s commitment to reinvigorate universities and enhance education in Nigeria marks a significant step towards the country’s educational advancement.