TINUBU REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO STABLE ACADEMIC CALENDAR, STAFF WELFARE, AND UNINTERRUPTED POWER IN UNIVERSITIES

TINUBU REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO STABLE ACADEMIC CALENDAR, STAFF WELFARE, AND UNINTERRUPTED POWER IN UNIVERSITIES


President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s dedication to maintaining a stable academic calendar, improving staff welfare, and ensuring uninterrupted power supply across Nigerian universities, emphasizing that education remains a cornerstone of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking at the 45th convocation ceremony of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna State, where he was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, Tinubu also announced a new Staff Loan Scheme for academic and non-academic workers in tertiary institutions. The initiative is aimed at alleviating financial pressures and enhancing productivity, with a total of ₦40 billion earmarked for disbursement this year. Individual loan amounts will range from ₦1 million to ₦10 million.

Congratulating the university community, Tinubu described the convocation as “a testament to persistent commitment to rigorous academic pursuits,” commending ABU for sustaining excellence in teaching, research, and community service. He urged the institution to align with the Federal Tertiary Institutions Governance and Transparency Programme, which promotes accountability, transparency, and data-driven governance in higher education.

“This programme is a significant step to modernize higher education management and restore public trust in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” the President said, noting that ABU’s compliance has helped it maintain its status as one of the nation’s leading universities.

On academic stability, Tinubu assured that his administration is committed to avoiding disruptions in the education sector. He also highlighted the Federal Government’s adoption of a unified negotiation framework through the Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee to enhance efficiency in engagements with university-based unions. He commended the committee, led by Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, for its role in agreements with the Academic Staff Union of Universities and appealed to other unions to exercise patience as comprehensive agreements are concluded.

Regarding staff welfare, the President explained that the Staff Loan Scheme, in partnership with the Bank of Industry, offers zero-interest loans to eligible staff, with the government covering all interest costs. Some beneficiaries have already begun receiving funds, and a total of ₦40 billion has been allocated for disbursement this year.

Tinubu further lauded ABU management for effective energy conservation measures and called for the development of a comprehensive energy policy to ensure sustainable power management. He revealed that under the Energising Education Programme, the Federal Government, in collaboration with the Rural Electrification Agency, will provide 24-hour electricity to all federal tertiary institutions. Phases I to III have supplied over 100 megawatts of clean energy to 24 federal universities and teaching hospitals, with ABU included in Phase IV.

Addressing graduands, Tinubu encouraged entrepreneurship and self-development, praising initiatives such as the Students Enterprise Competition and the Students’ Innovation Venture Capital Grant, which provides up to ₦50 million in non-equity seed funding for innovative projects with global potential. He also warned against drug and substance abuse, stressing its negative impact on academic performance and national security.

Additionally, Tinubu congratulated ABU for emerging the overall winner of the 5th National Tertiary Admissions Performance–Merit Awards and receiving a ₦500 million award from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.

Earlier, Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed, Chairman of ABU’s Governing Board, emphasized the importance of ethical values in students, urging the inculcation of honesty, discipline, humanity, and respect to produce responsible and patriotic graduates. He called on the Federal Government to address issues concerning university autonomy and academic freedom.

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