President Tinubu's Urgent Call for University Funding Reform
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a powerful message about the future of Nigeria's university system during the University of Ibadan's 77th Foundation Day ceremony on Monday, November 17, 2025. Represented by Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, Executive Secretary of the National University Commission (NUC), the President emphasized that Nigeria's development goals will remain unattainable unless tertiary institutions transform into centers of innovation and knowledge creation.
Addressing Funding Challenges Head-On
Speaking at the International Conference Centre of Nigeria's premier university, Tinubu acknowledged the deep-rooted funding crisis plaguing higher education. He commended university unions for bringing attention to these critical issues while assuring that these challenges are surmountable with collective effort. The President revealed that his administration has been working since 2023 to minimize issues related to unimplemented agreements with university workers.
Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) have received strengthened support under his government, Tinubu noted. The interest-free student loan scheme has shown steady enrollment growth, expanding access to higher education for more Nigerian students.
Universities Must Meet Global Standards
The President challenged Nigerian universities to conduct rigorous self-assessments to determine how well they're meeting national and global expectations. "Any university that fails to make meaningful contributions to national and global development is not fulfilling its core mandate," he declared. Tinubu emphasized that universities worldwide serve as hubs of innovation and wisdom, producing the thinkers and leaders who drive societal progress.
He urged university unions to consider the broader national economic realities, noting that every sector is competing for limited resources. "A collapsed economy benefits no one. I call on our unions to partner with government in crafting a sustainable funding model that reflects local realities while aligning with global best practices," Tinubu stated.
University Leadership Echoes Funding Concerns
The Chancellor of the university, Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar, echoed the funding concerns, expressing hope that Nigeria's economic fortunes would improve to enable implementation of the administration's sound policies. He urged parents, students, and stakeholders to exercise patience and cooperate with university management.
Chief Bisi Akande, the institution's Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman, identified over-centralization and bureaucratic confusion as root causes of constant misunderstandings between the Federal Government and staff unions, particularly the frequent strikes by ASUU.
University Achievements and New Programs
Vice Chancellor Professor Kayode Adebowale highlighted the institution's milestones while acknowledging challenges including electricity and security. He disclosed that 487 candidates received Doctor of Philosophy degrees, with Education and Arts faculties leading with 137 and 72 graduates respectively.
The university Senate approved creating two new faculties: Faculty of Nursing and Faculty of Computing, along with a Department of Aeronautics and Aerospace Engineering. NUC approval was granted for new programs including B.Sc. Social Work, B.Ed Educational Technology, B.SC. Ed. Computer Science, and B.Eng Biomedical Engineering to commence in the 2025/2026 academic session.
The ceremony also featured honorary Doctor of Science awards to Dr. Adesola Adeduntan and Barrister Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, recognizing their contributions to society.
