President Bola Tinubu has announced plans by his administration to review the conditions of service and remuneration of university staff nationwide, in a move aimed at aligning their welfare with current economic realities and improving the quality of teaching, research and learning in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
The President made this known at the 49th Convocation Ceremony of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State. He was represented at the event by a former Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof. Kabir Bala.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to dialogue as the most effective means of achieving lasting industrial peace in the university system, stressing the importance of mutual respect and collaboration between the government and academic staff.
He urged university workers and their unions to continue engaging the government constructively, noting that sustained dialogue would ensure that universities remain open, stable, conducive and productive.
“Government remains committed to dialogue as the surest path to lasting industrial peace in our tertiary institutions,” the President said.
“The Federal Government is intensifying efforts to review the conditions of service and remuneration of university staff to reflect the realities of the present-day economy. In collaboration with relevant staff unions and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, we are developing a sustainable framework that rewards dedication, innovation and productivity, while also ensuring fiscal responsibility.”
He added that his administration was expanding opportunities for collaboration among universities, industry and government to strengthen research output and national development.
Addressing the graduating students, Tinubu described them as the hope of a better Nigeria, urging them to make positive impacts in their professions and communities.
“Wherever life takes you as ambassadors of this university, remember to carry the Great Ife spirit of excellence, courage and progress,” he said.
Earlier, Senate President Godswill Akpabio delivered the convocation lecture titled ‘Raising a New Generation of Leaders for the World in Such a Difficult Time Through University Education’, where he called on universities to consider establishing departments dedicated to leadership studies.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of OAU, Prof. Simeon Bamire, disclosed that a total of 6,562 students graduated during the 49th convocation ceremony.
He gave the breakdown as follows: 54 undergraduate diploma graduates, 5,253 classified degree graduates, 295 unclassified degree graduates, and 959 postgraduate degree recipients.
