FG Reaffirms Commitment To Continuous Educational System

…As ABU Awards Hon Doctorate Degree To Okonjo-Iweala

By Sani Aliyu, Zaria

Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to keep educational institutions open in accordance with their approved academic calendars and to avoid disruptions in the nation’s educational system.

Making the affirmation on Saturday at the 45th Convocation ceremony of the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State, Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmed, noted that to enhance efficiency and coherence in negotiations, the government has adopted a unified negotiation framework through the Tertiary Institutions Expanded Negotiation Committee, ably led by Alhaji Mahmud Yayale Ahmed.

He emphasised that the growth and development of academic institutions are heavily dependent on a stable academic calendar.

Tinubu who was the Visitor on the 45th Convocation event, appreciated the leadership of the committee, commending its role in facilitating the agreement reached with the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU.

He further hailed the patience of other unions and assured them of the Federal Government’s firm resolve to conclude comprehensive agreements in due course.

“In an attempt to improve the welfare of staff of tertiary institutions in Nigeria, we have also introduced a Staff Loan Scheme designed to provide accessible financial support to both academic and non-academic employees across the tertiary education system”, he added.

The scheme is intended to ease personal and professional financial pressures, thereby enabling staff to remain focused on delivering quality teaching, research and community service.

“The loans will be repayable over a period of five years, including a one-year moratorium, to ensure affordability and sustainability for beneficiaries”.

He also commended the University’s Management for addressing its rising electricity costs through effective energy conservation, resulting in lower expenses.

The president further urged the management to pursue with vigour, its commitment to developing a comprehensive energy policy that translates long-standing theoretical solutions into practical steps to deliver tangible results in sustainable power management for the University.

A well-formulated and implemented policy will help the University address power challenges and serve as a benchmark for other institutions, he noted.

President Tinubuel recalled that in his address at the 44th Convocation ceremony, he had stated that the Federal Government is making efforts to address electricity supply issues for universities to enable them to function optimally.

“I am pleased to inform you that the Federal Government and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) have signed an agreement with the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) under the Energising Education Programme (EEP), to provide 24-hour electricity supply to all federal tertiary institutions.

“It is gratifying to note that the University has taken the right path in this direction, which continues to place it amongst the best in the country.

“I congratulate the University on this achievement and urge the authorities to maintain and exceed it,” President Tinubul said.

In his address, the Chancellor, ABU, His Majesty Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe, remarked that the University will continue to progress steadily on the visionary pathway set by its founders, assuring that ABU has a gained notable recognition both nationally and internationally.

The Chancellor congratulated Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for the Honorary Doctorate Degree awarded her by the great Ahmadu Bello University.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Vice Chancellor, Professor Adamu Ahmed said, despite challenges the University is facing, with sustained reforms, government support, strategic partnerships and the continued cooperation of staff, students, alumni and friends of the University, they remain confident in their ability to overcome them and secure a more resilient and sustainable future for ABU.

Prof. Adamu Ahmed said, their partnerships and collaborations have expanded their research and innovations ecosystem has been strengthened and their friends, and alumni have continued to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the institution.

A total of 27,370 students graduated at the 45 Convocation ceremony.