FG Calls for New Funding Model as Tinubu Pushes Reforms in Tertiary Education Financing

President Bola Tinubu has urged stakeholders across the country to collaborate with the Federal Government in addressing the financial and structural challenges affecting Nigeria’s tertiary education sector. He made the appeal during the 36th convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), where 1,030 students received postgraduate degrees. A day earlier, the institution awarded first degrees to 1,717 graduates from ten faculties.

Shared Responsibility for Sustainable Education Funding

Represented by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Universities Commission, Abdullahi Ribadu, the President emphasized that funding higher education must not be left to the government alone. He noted that Nigeria must move away from an outdated model that relies almost entirely on public funding, stressing the need for a more sustainable and collaborative approach.

Tinubu stated that the government would continue to fulfill its responsibilities to tertiary institutions, but all stakeholders—including private organizations, industries, alumni bodies, and development partners—must contribute meaningfully to the sector’s growth.

Strengthening Collaboration Between Universities and Industry

The President called for deeper synergy between universities and industries to boost national development. According to him, research produced within Nigerian institutions should be impactful, market-driven, and directly useful to industries seeking innovation and solutions.

He highlighted the global trend where university funding is a joint effort among governments, private sector players, and other key partners, adding that Nigeria must adopt a similar model to strengthen its education outcomes.

Encouraging Research That Solves National Problems

Tinubu urged Nigerian academics to prioritize research that tackles real challenges facing the country. He noted that universities must drive innovation in agriculture, technology, energy, and other sectors crucial to economic growth.

Message to Graduates

Addressing the new graduates, the President encouraged them to apply their knowledge and skills to Nigeria’s economic development. He advised them to embrace entrepreneurship, digital skills, agriculture, and scientific solutions that can create jobs and promote self-reliance.

Tinubu also expressed confidence that the graduating students had been adequately prepared to compete in the global workforce. He urged them to uphold hard work, discipline, and patriotism as they transition into their careers.

FUTA Reaffirms Commitment to Academic Excellence

In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to academic excellence through teaching, research, and community service. She explained that the university maintained high standards while expanding into new academic fields.

Oladiji highlighted the successful accreditation of 18 academic programmes between November and December 2024, noting that each programme received full accreditation status from the National Universities Commission.

To expand access to higher education, she announced the launch of FUTA’s Top-Up programme, enabling Higher National Diploma holders to earn bachelor’s degrees. The initiative began in the 2024/2025 academic session with 19 approved degree programmes across various schools.