President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday called for a sustainable and realistic funding model for Nigeria’s university system, warning the country’s development goals will remain elusive unless tertiary institutions reposition themselves as hubs of innovation, knowledge creation and national progress.
Tinubu, represented by the Executive Secretary of the National University Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, while speaking at the 77th Foundation Day ceremony of the University of Ibadan, which took place at the International Conference Centre of the institution, lauded the institution for sustaining its reputation as Nigeria’s premier university and for its contributions to scholarship and national development.
He said he considered it “an honour” to join the university in celebrating what he described as “a powerful milestone” in its long history of excellence, growth and transformation.
“University of Ibadan is a force to reckon with in the global realm. Through years of steadfastness and commitment, it has continued to maintain its position as the first and the best in Nigeria”, he said.
Tinubu acknowledged the deep-rooted challenges confronting the country’s higher education sector, particularly inadequate funding, noting that these issues undermine Nigeria’s ability to compete globally.
He commended university unions for drawing public and government attention to the funding crisis.
“I assure you the challenges are surmountable if we put all hands-on deck,” Tinubu said.
He explained his administration has worked to minminimise issues linked to unimplemented agreements with university workers and reiterated government’s commitment to quality education.
He also appreciated the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other unions for the “level of understanding shown so far” as solutions are pursued collaboratively.
Tinubu said his government has adopted innovative measures to boost education financing since 2023, pointing to strengthened support for the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
The interest-free loan scheme, he noted, has recorded steady growth in student enrollment and aims to expand access to higher education.
“We recognise that challenges still exist, but development is a continuous journey, not a final destination,” he added.
The President urged university unions to appreciate the broader national realities, noting that every sector of the economy is clamouring for increased funding at a time of limited resources.
“A collapsed economy benefits no one. I call on our unions to partner with government in crafting a sustainable funding model that reflects local realities while aligning with global best practices”, he said.
Tinubu emphasised that universities worldwide serve as “hubs of innovation and wisdom,” producing thinkers and leaders who drive societal progress, challenging Nigerian universities to undertake a rigorous self-assessment to determine how well they are meeting national and global expectations.
“Any university that fails to make meaningful contributions to national and global development is not fulfilling its core mandate,” he declared.
To the graduating students, Tinubu extended warm congratulations, praising their resilience, hard work and commitment to excellence.
He urged them to go beyond academic knowledge and deploy creativity, character and compassion as they step into new phases of life.
“Knowledge and skills are tools. It is your character that will define your legacy,” he told the graduands. “Be bold in your pursuit of excellence and unwavering in your commitment to impact the world positively.”
The President also congratulated parents and guardians, acknowledging their sacrifices and praying that their efforts b
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