President Bola Tinubu on Friday promised to increase funding for federal universities to meet global standards.
Mr Tinubu, represented by Adebayo Bamire, the vice-chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun, stated this at the 35th Convocation of the Adeyemi Federal University of Education, Ondo (AFUED).
The president said his administration had taken steps to fix the country’s economy, adding that his administration is informed about the predicaments in the nation’s universities.
“This administration is not oblivious of the predicaments in the universities. The paucity of funds to enhance administrative matters is a general and perennial challenge for most tertiary institutions.
“Other challenges like infrastructural decadence, shortage of manpower and growing insecurity of cult fraternities, among others on the campuses. We are taking commensurate steps to address these challenges decisively,” he said.
He assured Nigerians that universities and other tertiary institutions have been factored into the government’s plans for more funding so that they could compete favourably with others globally.
The president said the government would address emerging problems in the upgraded colleges of education to university status.
Mr Tinubu, therefore, enjoined the graduating students to endeavour to make meaningful impacts in society.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State said the institution had advanced the course of education in the country.
The governor commended the university’s management for recording success despite the myriad challenges.
Also speaking, the acting vice-chancellor of the FAUED, Samuel Akintunde, commended the roles played by the First Lady Oluremi Tinubu; Toyin Falola and the Osemawe of Ondo, Victor Kiladejo and said the institution was yet to get a take-off grant since it was upgraded.
“It should be stated that we are yet to get a take-off grant. All that had been achieved so far had been through the internally generated revenue.
“It is important to build two or three faculties and remodel the existing structures to occupy other faculties. Also, the laboratories and resource centres are yet to be upgraded,” he said.
(NAN)
