Tinubu to varsities: Explore all avenues for dialogue before considering strike

President Bola Tinubu has called on international organisations to collaborate with Nigerian universities in research funding and utilisation for national development. 

Tinubu spoke at the 33rd convocation lecture of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) on Saturday.

He was represented by David Terna Yawe, a former president of the West African College of Surgeons (WACS) and professor of the National Universities Commission (NUC).

He said the ceremony is taking place at a time when FUTA is being celebrated for its achievement as one of the best universities in Nigeria.

The president said an international partnership would rub off on Nigerian graduates in the areas of value addition, experience, hands-on training, and exposure.

“If this kind of learning environment is achieved, we will have students who will be well focussed, eschew all forms of violence and other anti-social behaviours,” he said.

“Hence, it is my belief that today’s graduates have been certified not only for their academic standing but also for being worthy in character.”

Speaking on strike actions by labour unions, Tinubu said constructive dialogue and negotiation should be prioritised over actions that would negatively impact students.

He said he is aware of the challenges facing higher educational institutions in the country, adding that frantic efforts will be made to address the situation.

“I would like to enjoin all the unions in our universities to cooperate with the government in order to deliver development by ensuring an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity on our campuses,” the president added.

“We will ensure that motivational activities are put in place to ensure improved productivity. Reciprocative actions would be expected from our universities.

“Dialogue, patience, and positive engagements are better means of achieving results over strike actions.

“Therefore, all avenues for dialogue must be explored and exhausted before strike actions are considered, and as the last resort.

“One of my first actions as the President of Nigeria after my inauguration was the signing of the Students Loan Bill into law. Under my watch, no student will drop out of school as a result of inability to pay school charges.”

In her address, Adenike Oladiji, FUTA’s vice chancellor, said 195 students graduated with first-class honours in various programs at the university.

She said Oluwanifemi Olajuyigbe, a student of the department of electrical and electronics engineering, is the best graduating student with a CGP of 4.93.

Oladiji said that the university also conferred postgraduate diplomas, master’s, and doctoral degrees on 1,806 graduates.

“In our efforts to broaden and deepen the impact of the university on our society, new academic programmes have been introduced. FUTA now has a wide range of courses to address the developmental challenges of Nigeria,” she said.