President Bola Ahmad Tinubu has called on Nigerian universities to diversify their funding sources in response to prevailing economic challenges, emphasizing the need for self-sufficiency in the educational sector.
Addressing attendees at the 6th & 7th combined convocation ceremony of Federal University, Dutse, President Tinubu, represented by Vice-Chancellor Professor Kabir Bala of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting higher education despite resource constraints.
Highlighting the importance of universities taking proactive steps to seek alternative funding avenues, the President stressed that relying solely on government funding is no longer sustainable, particularly given the country’s current economic climate and competing demands from various sectors.
Encouraging universities to explore international collaborations and funding opportunities for research projects, President Tinubu underscored the significance of leveraging global resources to enhance academic pursuits.
In his address, President Tinubu stated, “Funding of universities cannot be undertaken by the government alone, especially at a time when the country is facing economic challenges, with other competing demands from various other sectors.”
He further added, “However, this administration will always provide the enabling environment within the limit of available resources for universities to operate, as the flagship of our educational endeavor and the bedrock of our national development.”
Expressing optimism about the potential for universities to boost their internally generated revenue (IGR), President Tinubu urged institutions to explore more viable options for resource mobilization, including partnerships with the private sector and philanthropic organizations.
Assuring continued government support in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, President Tinubu reiterated the administration’s commitment to facilitating the achievement of universities’ core objectives and fostering academic excellence in the country.
