President Bola Tinubu has expressed the commitment of his administration to ensure uninterrupted academic calendar across the nation’s tertiary institutions.
Speaking at the 39th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Ilorin on Tuesday, Tinubu appealed to the staff members of the nation’s Universities to always give peace a chance and embrace dialogue.
According to him, universities, just as the entire nation itself, need peace to ensure prosperity. Gone were the days when Universities would be closed down over issues that could be resolved through constructive engagements.
“No one gains anything from the closure of institutions of learning. We have grown beyond that and we should not return to that path. We would not allow that to happen again.
“Our universities should always be opened for continuous quality teaching, research and community service to flourish,” Tinubu added.
President Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Hon Yusuf Sununu, said that the government had effected the payment of four months of the previously withheld salaries of academic staff of universities.
The President hinted that he has also directed the payment of the withheld salaries of the non-teaching staff of the universities.
According to him, this was purposely done to show the magnanimity of the present administration, despite the activation of the principle of “no work no pay” rule.
“Federal Government has also directed that the payment of salaries of university staff members be removed from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) forthwith.
“This is in response to the consistent pleas of the University trade unions. We will ensure that this removal is effected without further delay.
President Tinubu said the Federal Government has given all Federal Universities waiver to recruit more staff members to replace those who have left their services as a result of death, retirement or resignation.
Tinubu said that government was aware of the depleting staff strength in various federal universities.
The President said that the Federal Government has begun the disbursement of student loans to tertiary institutions to cushion the effects of the current economic situation.
According to him, students of the University of Ilorin are not left out among the beneficiaries of this loan scheme.
“I am happy to inform you that the Nigerian Education Loans Fund (NELFUND) has come to stay to provide opportunities and access for students to learn with ease and pay back later.
“I, therefore, urge every student to take advantage of this privilege to better their lots.”
President Tinubu noted that the nation is currently witnessing critical economic and security challenges, saying that these challenges are many and multidimensional, but they are surmountable and the government is doing all to overcome the challenges.
According to Tinubu, the future of our nation depends on what we, the citizens, make of the current situation.
“As young people imbued with energy, intelligence, intellect, integrity, and courage, the nation needs you and your contributions.
“Your determination and disposition to these issues will enable us to overcome our present challenges and build a nation we can all be proud of.
L-R Vice-Chancellor, Prof Wahab Egbewole, Minister of State for Education, Hon. Yusuf Sununu and Prof Raheem Adaramaja of Kwara State SUBEB
President Tinubu congratulated the Governing Council, Management, Staff, and Students of the University for making the nation proud over the years.
He said that the University recently received an award as the most subscribed University in Nigeria, with a cash award of N500,000,000.00 (Five Hundred Million Naira) from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), saying this award is a reward for hard work, dedication, and commitment to always doing what is right.
He also congratulated the University for being awarded the Best Federal University in ICT Integration by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, saying this is a further testimony to the giant strides of the University.
The President also implored various corporate bodies, communities and organisations as well as individuals to support universities, saying that the global practice is that public universities are always assisted by corporate organisations for them to discharge their responsibilities to the fullest.
Also in his speech, the Vice-Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole urged the 12,042 graduating students of the institution to be problem solvers and agent of change in the society.
According to him, our nation is greatly challenged and needs problem solvers, innovative and people with the capacity for value addition which your training here offers you. You must, therefore, hit the grand running
“You need to understand that this occasion sets you up for unavoidable societal expectations to deliver and add value in your corner to yet a great nation.
“Do not be complacent. Utilise the knowledge you have gained to maintain and build more connections. Apply the knowledge you have acquired to improve yourselves and contribute your quota to human progress.”
The Vice-Chancellor urged the graduating students to use their newly gained knowledge and skills to contribute positively to the society.
He urged them to make their light to shine and guide the world, saying “the degree the earn in itself is not the end but a comfortable ground to stand and compete globally.
Earlier, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara congratulated the graduating students, saying their hard work, perseverance, and dedication have brought them to this moment.
He said the closure of their journey in the university of Ilorin campus opens a new chapter in their lives
to explore a new world of challenges and great possibilities.
“As we all know, education is the foundation of any thriving society. You are now equipped with the tools to contribute meaningfully to the development of Nigeria,
and beyond. As you step into the wider world, I urge you to be drivers of positive change, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
“Embrace the challenges before you, and seize the opportunities that lie ahead. Surely, with strong commitment and determination you will excel in your chosen careers.”
Gov. AbdulRazaq, who was represented by Chairman Kwara SUBEB, Prof. Raheem Adaramaja, said his administration remains committed to youth development and our goal has been to create an enabling environment for success through education, innovation, creativity, healthcare, tourism and entrepreneurship investments.
The Governor disclosed that the Gen. Tunde Idiagbon Flyover Bridge at Tanke would be commissioned in December this year to ease transportation toward the University campus and its environs.
