By Sogeyinbo Abdulrahmon Adebanji (SIWES student, GATEWAY ICT POLY)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has revealed that the federal government is considering reinstating the University Full Autonomy Policy to facilitate progress and minimize external hindrances.
The President emphasized the belief that granting autonomy to universities allows them to chart their own course of development.
Expressing confidence in this decision at the University of Benin’s 48th convocation ceremony, Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engineer Abubakar Momoh, stated, University autonomy will undoubtedly shift the responsibility of performance directly to the individual institutions, alleviating the current state of uncertainties.
Acknowledging concerns about unpaid salaries, especially due to the recent eight-month industrial action, Tinubu assured university workers of a four-month salary payment to address the financial strain.
He clarified that this measure doesn’t negate the government’s No Work, No Pay policy.
Additionally, Tinubu pledged ongoing government commitment to enhancing university conditions through Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), ensuring the provision of vital infrastructure and resources like lecture theaters, student hostels, administrative offices, and learning tools.
He affirmed, As a responsible government, we will continue to allocate tangible resources to education and formulate sustainable policies that transcend this administration.
