Tinubu states commitment to uninterrupted academic calendar

On Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu urged staff members of Nigerian universities to embrace peace and take advantage of the negotiation opportunities provided by his administration. He emphasized that there will be no more closures of universities across the nation.

Speaking at the 39th Convocation of the University of Ilorin in Kwara State, where he was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu, Tinubu highlighted the importance of peace for the prosperity of both universities and the country.

Sununu remarked, “Our government is dedicated to maintaining an uninterrupted academic calendar. I encourage university staff to prioritize peace, as both our universities and the nation require it to thrive. The days of closing institutions over solvable issues are behind us; we must not revert to that.”

He further asserted that the Federal Government aims to foster a positive relationship with universities to support quality education, research, and community service. Sununu acknowledged recent strike notices issued by various university staff unions over unpaid salary arrears and the non-implementation of a 2009 agreement.

In response, Sununu stated, “The Federal Government is actively working to fulfill its obligations. A 2009 Re-negotiation Committee has been established to engage with university associations and unions. We have also initiated the payment of previously withheld salaries for academic staff and are addressing the salaries of non-teaching staff to demonstrate the administration’s commitment, despite the ‘no work, no pay’ rule.”

He announced that the Federal Government has removed university staff salaries from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) in line with the unions’ requests and is expediting this change.

Additionally, the government is implementing a student loan scheme to assist those affected by the current economic situation. “The Nigerian Education Loans Fund (NELFUND) is now available to help students, including those at the University of Ilorin, access financial support for their education,” he added.

Sununu also noted that new Governing Councils have been established for all federal universities to enhance their operations. He mentioned the need for universities to replace staff lost through retirement, resignation, or death.

Addressing the graduating students, he urged them to contribute to solving the economic and security challenges facing Nigeria, stating, “These issues are complex but solvable. The future of our nation hinges on how we navigate these challenges together. Your energy, intelligence, and integrity are vital for overcoming our current trials.”

In his address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Abiodun Aluko, committed to advancing the institution’s mission. He emphasized the council’s dedication to fostering innovative ideas and mobilizing resources to enhance the university’s contributions to national development.

Aluko expressed a commitment to maintaining peace and quality at the university, ensuring that it remains a leading institution in academic excellence and research. He outlined plans to improve the university’s revenue base to reduce reliance on government funding while supporting students and their families.

At the convocation, a total of 12,042 graduates were recognized, including 256 First Class and 3,842 Second Class Upper graduates. The ceremony also featured graduates from various fields, including medicine, nursing, and pharmacy, along with a total of 1,875 higher degrees awarded.