The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, on Monday announced that the President Tinubu administration intends to provide complete autonomy to Federal Government owned universities in the country. This move aims to empower universities to independently secure funds from different sources, enabling them to fulfill their financial obligations effectively.
He disclosed this during the 2023 Nigeria Annual Education Conference, attended by education commissioners from various states and other stakeholders in the education sector, Prof. Tahir Mamman, emphasized the commitment of the ministry to align with the education goals of the Tinubu-led Federal Government.
“As you all know, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has publicly declared his commitment to overhaul the education sector as a matter of priority. It is, therefore important that the Federal Ministry of Education and all stakeholders in the sector work together to see this vision come true. The days of long declarations are over, this time, we must work the talk
“I am also happy to note that the technical sessions have been structured to address very contemporary and topical issues in the education sector in Nigeria. Discussions to be held on Tertiary education in Nigeria which are expected to focus on emerging trends including university autonomy and the Students Loans Fund as well as education financing align perfectly with President Tinubu’s vision for the sector.
“Mr. President is determined among others to initiate a new creative means of funding tertiary education by granting universities the autonomy to explore new sources of financing their activities.
“In the same vein, your deliberations on enhancing entrepreneurial skills, vocational and technical education in Nigerian schools directly speaks to Mr President’s vision of promoting technical and vocational education as a means of absorbing the millions of young school leavers who complete primary and secondary schools every year but cannot get admission to universities, other tertiary institutions or employed with ease.”
Continuing his address, the Minister conveyed his deep sorrow regarding the tragic murder of Atanda Modupe, a nursing student at the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti. In response to this heinous crime, he instructed the Vice-chancellor of the institution to collaborate with law enforcement agencies in order to diligently investigate and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“Last week, the media reported the murder of a nursing student Miss Attanda Modupe Debora student of Federal University Oyo-Ekiti, same week that the safe school events took place.
“This is indeed heartbreaking. The ministry directs the Vice-Chancellor in concerted efforts with the security to uncover the perpetrators of this heinous crime while i reiterate the ministry’s resolve to secure our schools. Our condolences go to the family.”
