President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has indicated that the N2.18tr earmarked for the education sector in the 2024 budget was deliberate to improve and reposition it
He pointed out that the sector is having the second highest sectorial allocation which is more that 80 percent higher than the 2023 allocation of N1.29trilliin.
The President who spoke in Minna, the Niger State capital on Thursday during the 41st Founder’s Day and 31st and 32nd combined convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, disclosed that the aim is to address the challenges of welfare, infrastructure and other facilities that would enhance teaching, learning and innovation.
In addition to improved funding of the tertiary education in the country, he stated further that his administration has assented to the Student Loan Act, implementation which will commence in January 2024, adding that “We expect that with this, indigent students would stay in school rather than drop out as had been the case for many in the past.
“I therefore assure Nigerians that we shall continue to give this sector the necessary support because human capital development is critical to national development”.
The President who was represented by the Executive Secretary National University Commission (NUC) Professor Chinedu Nwajuba, expressed regrets that the security challenges facing the country on different fronts have necessitated the increased in the deployment of resources to address it, hence the situation has affected the availability of funds for addressing other needs.
This notwithstanding, he maintained that “We shall, however, continue to ensure that our campuses remain safe and conducive for learning”.
He also assured that his administration is committed towards having industrial harmony in our educational institutions and shall continue to dialogue with the University staff based unions to amicably resolve differences.
“While assuring them of our commitment to improving their welfare within the limits of available resources, I urge the unions to maintain the path of dialogue at all times as frequent strikes hurt us all”.
He acknowledged that the expectations of staff may not have been met as speedily as they may have wished,, “but be rest assured that I value your efforts and contributions to national development and my administration will fulfil my promises and obligations to you all”.
He congratulated the graduands for the successful completion of their programme of study in the University bringing a deep sense of fulfilment to them, immense joy to their families and loved ones and sense of fulfilment to the institution.
“It is the outcome of years of hard work and perseverance by the students, the unflinching supports by their parents and guardians, that reflects in their dedication and commitment to high ethical principles and set objectives of the institution.
“You are the strength of our nation and I believe you will continue to do us proud as I formally congratulate all of you on successful graduation”.
He further reminded the new graduates that not only have they been conferred with degrees but also have been empowered to innovate, through the entrepreneurial programs already acquired make the society better and soar in life.
“Resist the urge to succumb to the influence of undesirable groups due some inconveniencing circumstances you may face as you sojourn further in life”, he added.
The President nonetheless commended the Management and entire staff of the University for diligently playing their roles and going the extra mile to attain the feat that is being celebrating today.
“I am aware that successive leadership of this University have been steadfast in the pursuit of excellence, with many laudable results to show.
“The Federal University of Technology, Minna is an institution that we are proud of and I want to urge the Management and Senate to continue on the path of fulfilling the university’s mandate, to which they have committed themselves”.
Earlier the Vice Chancellor of the University Professor Faruk Adamu Kuta told the visitor to the institution that the university with a staff strength of 2,385 and a student population of 26,051, all the 58 academic programmes in the have attained full National Universities Commission (NUC) accreditation status adding that the University is preparing to host an international accrediting body for International accreditation.
He said that of 7,312 graduating students in the 31st and 32nd combined convocation for 2020/2021 and 2022/2023 academic session, 189 of them will be awarded First Class Degrees in various disciplines.
Adamu Kuta stated further that the award of second class degrees (upper division) to 2,190 graduating students and 3,410 second class degrees (lower division) to deserving students.
The Vice Chancellor said of this number 71 students bagged First Class in the 2020/2021 academic session while 116 bagged First Class in the 2022/2023 academic session.
Giving further breakdown of the degrees to be awarded , the Vice Chancellor noted that for 2020/2021 academic session, 1,091 students got Second Class Upper division while 1,916 students got Second Class Lower.,adding that a total of 767 students got 3rd Class while 22 students will be going home with Pass degrees.
According to him for the 2022/2023 academic session, 116 students bagged First Class, 1,099 students got Second Class Upper, 1,494 Students got Second Class Lower, 716 students got Third Class and 20 students got Pass, adding that no student was withdrawn from the school due to academic performance with the year under review.
The Vice Chandelier stated further hat 120 Postgraduate Diplomas, 955 Master’s Degrees, and 150 Doctorate Degrees will be conferred with their degrees.
Professor Kuta pointed that the highlights of this year’s convocation was the commissioning of four key projects embarked by the institution under his administration and these includes African Center of Excellence for Mycotoxin and Food Safety (ACEMFS) building, the remodeled of the University main entrance gate, 500 metres road network within the campus and 38 No rooms students hostel at the main campus.