FG consider full autonomy for universities

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has indicated that the Federal Government is considering reintroducing the Policy of University Full Autonomy to promote progress and minimize external impediments.

This decision is consistent with the government’s belief that university autonomy allows institutions to develop at their own pace.

Tinubu expressed confidence in the proposed strategy while speaking through the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engineer Abubakar Momoh, during the University of Benin’s 48th convocation event over the weekend.

“University autonomy will no doubt, transfer the responsibility of performance directly to the individual institutions rather than the current state of uncertainties,” he said.

In his speech, the President highlighted university employees’ concerns about unpaid salaries.

He announced a four-month wage payment for all university employees to ameliorate the problem.

Furthermore, Tinubu pledged to keep the government’s commitment to improving university circumstances by providing critical facilities like lecture theatres, student hostels, administrative offices, and learning tools.

These facilities, established through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), are meant to incentivize staff and students to achieve success.

Tinubu pledged, “As a responsible government, we would continue to dedicate tangible resources to education and to formulate sustainable policies that would outlive this administration.

“Our universities have the multiple responsibilities of helping to expand horizons through research and technological breakthroughs, impartation of relevant skills and by being more entrepreneurial in outlook.”