President Bola Tinubu has urged academic unions in Nigerian universities to collaborate with the government in crafting a modern funding model that considers the nation’s unique challenges and aligns with global standards.
Speaking on Monday at the 76th Foundation Day of the University of Ibadan, Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmed, emphasised the importance of balancing limited resources across sectors to prevent economic collapse.
He called for a collective effort to bolster the university system’s financing.
The event highlighted Nigeria’s oldest university’s achievements, with 485 PhD degrees awarded and four honorary doctorates conferred, including to former Vice-Chancellor Prof Oluwafemi Bamiro.
Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, advocated for increased funding for tertiary education, while Vice-Chancellor Prof Kayode Adebowale appealed for dedicated funds to transform the University of Ibadan into a global academic hub.
Pro-Chancellor Adebisi Akande also highlighted the need for stronger ties between universities and Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
