Tinubu set to grant federal varsities full autonomy – Minister

Minister of Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, announced on Monday that the Tinubu administration is set to confer full autonomy upon Federal Government-owned universities across the nation.

Highlighting the development, Minister Mamman emphasized that this autonomy would empower universities to explore diverse funding sources, thereby facilitating their ability to fulfill their financial commitments.

Addressing an audience during the 2023 Nigeria Annual Education Conference, which boasted the presence of state education commissioners and various education sector stakeholders, Mamman reiterated the ministry’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the realization of the Tinubu-led Federal Government’s educational objectives.

ALSO READ

• UAE lifts visa ban on Nigeria after Tinubu’s meets with President Al Nahyan
• Nigeria ‘ll play vital role in G-20 – Tinubu
• ‘We take education seriously’, President Tinubu 

“As you all know, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has publicly declared his commitment to overhaul the education sector as a matter of priority. It is, therefore important that the Federal Ministry of Education and all stakeholders in the sector work together to see this vision come true. The days of long declarations are over, this time, we must work the talk.

“I am also happy to note that the technical sessions have been structured to address very contemporary and topical issues in the education sector in Nigeria. Discussions to be held on Tertiary education in Nigeria which are expected to focus on emerging trends including university autonomy and the Students Loans Fund as well as education financing align perfectly with President Tinubu’s vision for the sector.

“Mr. President is determined among others to initiate a new creative means of funding tertiary education by granting universities the autonomy to explore new sources of financing their activities.

“In the same vein, your deliberations on enhancing entrepreneurial skills, vocational and technical education in Nigerian schools directly speaks to Mr President’s vision of promoting technical and vocational education as a means of absorbing the millions of young school leavers who complete primary and secondary schools every year but cannot get admission to universities, other tertiary institutions or employed with ease.”

Speaking further, the minister expressed sadness at the murder of the nursing student of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Atanda Modupe. He however directed the Vice-chancellor of the institution to work with security operatives to uncover the perpetrators of the crime.

“Last week, the media reported the murder of a nursing student Miss Attanda Modupe Debora student of Federal University Oyo-Ekkti, same week that the safe school events took place.

“This is indeed heartbreaking. The ministry directs the Vice-Chancellor in concerted efforts with the security to uncover the perpetrators of this heinous crime while i reiterate the ministry’s resolve to secure our schools. Our condolences go to the family.”