President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerian tertiary institutions to adopt sustainable funding models to address the deepening infrastructure deficits affecting campuses nationwide.
The President made the call at the 37th Convocation Ceremony of the Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO), where he emphasized that government intervention alone can no longer fully meet the growing demands of the higher education sector.
Represented by the Vice Chancellor of the David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences, Prof. Jesse Uneke, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to revitalizing higher education through reforms targeting improved funding, research enhancement, welfare support, and upgraded infrastructure.
“Our universities remain vital national assets in advancing growth and development.The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to strengthening these institutions through funding, partnerships, and research support. But it is evident that government alone cannot meet all requirements adequately," he said.
Tinubu highlighted key achievements recorded in the past two years across federal universities, including increased investments in solar-powered energy solutions through the Energizing Education Programme (EEP), the release of ₦50 billion for earned academic allowances, and the provision of ₦150 billion under the Needs Assessment Fund to be disbursed in three tranches starting 2025.
He further announced the establishment of the Tertiary Institution Support Fund (TISS), designed to provide interest-free loans to academic and non-academic staff nationwide, improving welfare, career advancement, and financial stability. Reforms to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), he added, have been streamlined to ensure transparency and greater accessibility for students.
At FUTO, Tinubu disclosed that the institution now enjoys uninterrupted electricity supply following the completion and commissioning of the 8.3MW captive solar mini-grid under the EEP, alongside the newly installed 63MVA, 132/33KV mobile sub-station delivering direct power from the national grid.
These interventions, he said, have placed FUTO among the universities with sustainable green energy infrastructure.
“Despite these achievements, universities must embrace sustainable funding models such as endowment funds and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) to tackle critical infrastructural challenges, including hostel accommodation and staff quarters,” he added.
He encouraged FUTO and other tertiary institutions to leverage the Federal Government’s newly released national PPP guidelines and form strategic collaborations with the private sector. Such partnerships, he said, would alleviate the financial burden on students while accelerating the development of essential facilities.
Tinubu congratulated the graduands and urged them to uphold excellence as they transition into the global workforce.
In her address, the Vice Chancellor of FUTO, Prof. (Mrs.) Nnenna Nnannaya Oti, welcomed dignitaries and commended the graduating class for their academic achievements. She expressed concern over persistent challenges confronting the university including inadequate staff quarters, deteriorating internal roads, and persistent land encroachments stressing that FUTO will not cede any legitimate property to land grabbers.
The Chancellor of the University, HRH Alhaji Muhammadu Barkindo Aliyu Mustapha, commended the graduates and lauded FUTO’s four-decade leadership in technological education. He commended Prof. Oti for steering the institution to new heights in academics, research, and innovation.
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Sen. Jack Tilley-Gyado, also celebrated the administration’s strides, noting significant advancements across academic and infrastructural parameters.
The ceremony featured the conferment of honorary degrees, academic awards, and the recognition of outstanding students including the best graduating student, Nwokorie Ijeoma Judith of the Department of Optometry, who earned a CGPA of 4.96.
Prizes were presented to exceptional students, including the Senator Oluremi Tinubu Girl Child Award, FUTO Women Association Prize, and departmental awards sponsored by distinguished individuals and organizations.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the Imo State University, Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Federal Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Works, among others.
