PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to increasing funding for federal universities to align them with global standards.
The President made this declaration during the 35th Convocation Ceremony of Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED) in Ondo on Friday.
Represented by Prof. Adebayo Bamire, Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, President Tinubu emphasized that the Federal Government is actively addressing economic challenges while remaining attentive to the pressing issues facing Nigerian universities.
“This administration is fully aware of the challenges confronting our universities, including insufficient funding for administrative operations, infrastructural deficits, manpower shortages, and security concerns related to cult activities on campuses,” he stated. “We are taking decisive measures to resolve these issues comprehensively.”
President Tinubu assured Nigerians that tertiary institutions have been prioritized in the government’s budgetary plans to ensure they compete favorably with their international counterparts.
He also pledged to address emerging challenges in colleges of education recently upgraded to university status.
Furthermore, the President urged the graduating students to strive for meaningful societal impact, encouraging them to exhibit creativity, resilience, and innovation in their future endeavors.
Gov. Aiyedatiwa Commends AFUED’s Contributions
In his address, Ondo State governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, commended the institution for its significant contributions to advancing education in Nigeria.
He praised the university’s management for achieving notable success despite numerous challenges and assured continued collaboration between the state government and the institution for societal benefit.
The governor also advised the graduating students to remain focused and purposeful in their pursuits.
AFUED Reports Graduation Statistics, Highlights Challenges
The Acting Vice-Chancellor of AFUED, Prof. Samuel Akintunde, disclosed that a total of 12,556 graduates were awarded first degrees, while 6,269 received the Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE).
Additionally, 1,501 diplomas were conferred. Among the first-degree recipients, 51 graduated with First Class honors, 3,090 with Second Class Upper, 6,805 with Second Class Lower, 2,087 with Third Class, and 154 with a Pass.
Prof. Akintunde urged the graduates to excel in their respective fields, emphasizing innovation and problem-solving as key drivers of legitimate wealth creation.
He also acknowledged the support of notable figures, including the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; Prof. Toyin Falola; and the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo.
However, the Vice-Chancellor highlighted the institution’s ongoing challenges, noting that AFUED has yet to receive a take-off grant since its upgrade.
“All achievements thus far have been funded through internally generated revenue,” he stated. “Critical needs include the construction of new faculties, remodeling of existing structures, and upgrading laboratories and resource centers.”
Council Reaffirms Commitment to National Vision
Hajia Ganiyat Yusuf, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, reiterated the council’s dedication to supporting the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. She affirmed the council’s commitment to its oversight responsibilities in ensuring the university’s continued progress.
Honorary Degrees Conferred
The institution also awarded honorary doctorate degrees (Honoris Causa) to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo; and Prof. Toyin Falola of the University of Texas at Austin, in recognition of their distinguished contributions to education and society. (NAN)
