President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that the efforts being made by his administration are already yielding positive results, which he said are becoming noticeable to Nigerians.
While emphasising that despite the economic downturn faced by his administration, Tinubu stated that steps had been taken to fix the economy, which was described as unpalatable to the people.
Represented by the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Adebayo Bamire, the President, who stated this on Friday during the 35th convocation ceremony of Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED), Ondo city, Ondo State.
He assured Nigerians that universities and other tertiary institutions have been factored into the plans for more funding for them to compete favourably with others globally.
According to him, he is committed to being on the same page with the Staff-based Unions of Universities and check incessant industrial actions with determination to tackle other issues affecting most tertiary institutions.
He said: “Let me sincerely state that this administration is not oblivious of the predicaments in the Universities. The paucity of funds to adequately handle administrative matters is a general and perennial challenge for most tertiary institutions.
“And there are wholesome challenges of infrastructural decadence, shortage of manpower and growing insecurity in the campuses that include cult fraternities among students and staff. We are taking commensurate steps to address these challenges decisively.
“I congratulate the entire Adeyemi Federal University of Education community for the contribution to the moulding of Nigerian youth, particularly those who are expected to take roles in the inculcation of values, morals and discipline in our children in their formative years of learning in schools while teaching them various subjects.”
On her part, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, AFUED, Hajia Ganiyat Adeola Yusuf, appealed to the Federal Government to come to the aid of the institution amid its transition to a university status.
“The Governing Council remains committed to supporting the national vision outlined in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and shall continue to do our best as a body that has direct oversight functions over the university. The success of Adeyemi Federal University of Education depends on our collaboration, mutual respect, and dedication to transparent governance.
“I call upon the Federal Government to assist us in building essential faculties for our expanding academic offerings and fast-track the release of the start-up fund for the university. The transition from Adeyemi College of Education to Adeyemi Federal University of Education is no small feat, and your support is crucial.”
The acting vice chancellor of AFUED, Prof. Samuel Akintunde, who revealed that the convocation captured 18,825 graduands, expressed delight in the upgrading of the institution to a university which used to be a college.
“A total of 12,556 graduands are being conferred with first degrees, while 6,269 are being conferred with the Nigerian Certificate in Education. Those who are to be awarded a Diploma in Computer are 1,501. We are proud of you all and hope that you will be outstanding in your positive endeavours as you contribute to the development of Nigeria.
“We celebrate with you knowing that you now have the capacity to engage yourself meaningfully in the affairs of the nation in ways that transcend academic achievement but in the realms of being highly innovative and creative in solving societal problems and thereby creating and making legitimate wealth.”
Meanwhile, the first lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, was conferred with the Doctor of Science of Education during the convocation along with the Osemawe of Ondo Kingdom, Oba Victor Kiladejo, and Emeritus Professor of African Studies, Prof. Toyin Falola, who were also recipients of the institution’s honorary doctor degrees.
