The Federal government might be considering a re-introduction of the Policy of University Full Autonomy.
The new policy direction, President Bola Tinubu noted, is anchored on the Federal government’s conviction that university autonomy provides the platform for institutions to develop at the pace set by their councils and senate, rather than being bugged down by any external bottlenecks or red tape.
Tinubu, who spoke through the Minister of Niger Delta Development, Engineer Abubakar Momoh, made the revelation during the 48th convocation ceremony of the University of Benin.
He expressed optimism that university autonomy will no doubt, transfer the responsibility of performance directly to the individual institutions rather than the current state of uncertainties.
“This administration believes that this is a right step in the right direction and will do all that is possible to re-position tertiary Institutions and indeed the education sector in the country for excellent service delivery.
“Government is not unmindful of the concerns arising from months of unpaid salaries of all categories of university staff, in particular, members of the teaching staff unions, as a fall out of the eight months industrial action.
“You are all aware of the fact that I recently announced a four-month salary payment for all university workers to minimise the impact of the non-payment of salary during that period for work not done.
“This waiver was considered necessary and does not in any way obviate the “No Work, No Pay” policy of government.”
Tinubu said the federal government will continue to demonstrate its commitment to improved conditions of welfare in the universities by the provision of needed infrastructure, including lecture theatres, students’ hostels, administrative offices and learning tools.
“Gladly these are currently being executed consistently through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). This gesture is expected to galvernise staff and students to put in their best.
“As a responsible government, we would continue to dedicate tangible resources to education and to formulate sustainable policies that would outlive this administration.
“Our education policy formulators and the universities should strive to modify such policies to accommodate every segment of the youth population, through specialised skills acquisition programmes and internships.
“Our universities have the multiple responsibilities of helping to expand horizons through research and technological breakthroughs, impartation of relevant skills and by being more entrepreneurial in outlook.
“They must also take up the onerous task of re-directing the teeming youths on the path of moral rectitude, love for nation and respect for constituted authorities.
“Certainly, we must return to the Nigeria our founding fathers fought for and bequeathed to us. Our journey to industrialisation, economic prosperity and self-reliance as a nation, can only be realised, if all hands are on deck.
“It is only in togetherness that we can achieve greatness, the crux of our gathering here today is to celebrate another bountiful harvest by the University of Benin, represented by the production of another set of graduands.
Momoh echoed President Tinubu’s appreciation for the University’s leadership, recognising the Chancellor, Orcivirigh Professor James Ortese Ayatse, and Vice Chancellor Professor Lilian Salami for their roles in steering the institution towards excellence.
The Minister commended the institution for its remarkable milestones in education while also extending his Principal’s congratulations to the graduands and wished them success in their future endeavours, leaving the audience with a final message of unity and progress.