AKURE, November 18, 2023 – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conveyed the federal government’s commitment to fostering collaboration with academic unions in Nigerian universities, emphasizing the exploration of dialogue avenues before resorting to any strike actions. He made this announcement during the 33rd convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Technology in Akure.
Represented by Prof. King-David Terna Yawe, the former President of the West Africa College of Surgeons, Tinubu stressed that the cooperation between the unions and the federal government would significantly contribute to the educational development of the nation. He urged university unions to engage positively with the government for a peaceful atmosphere on campuses.
Tinubu emphasized the importance of dialogue, patience, and positive engagement over resorting to strike actions, noting that industrial disharmony disrupts academic life, wastes time, and elongates the academic calendar. He stated, “All avenues for dialogue must be explored and exhausted before strike actions are considered, and as the last resort.”
Addressing the challenges facing the education sector, Tinubu highlighted the signing of the Students Loan Bill into law as a proactive step. The law aims to provide interest-free loans to indigent students, ensuring that no student drops out due to an inability to pay school charges. Tinubu reassured Nigerians that the government is actively addressing challenges in higher education and pledged unwavering support to ensure optimal performance of educational institutions.
In addressing the graduands during the convocation, Tinubu congratulated them and emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritizing human welfare and development. The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, revealed that out of the 3,491 graduands, 195 achieved First Class honors, reflecting the institution’s commitment to academic excellence. The Vice-Chancellor outlined the distribution of other honors among the graduating students, encouraging them to utilize the knowledge gained during their academic journey.