Nyesom Wike, the minister of federal capital territory (FCT), says President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the advancement of higher education has injected new life to the nation’s university system.
Speaking during the 37th convocation ceremony of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Wike said the renewed hope agenda has improved the university system through landmark interventions that are transforming the landscape of tertiary education.
The FCT minister who was conferred with the honorary doctorate degree in law, noted that the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has provided financial relief for students while ensuring that no willing mind is denied access to quality education due to financial constraints.
In a statement released on Saturday, by Lere Olayinka, the senior special assistant on public communications and social media, to Wike, the minister outlined other interventions of the president in the higher education sector which include the students start-up innovation and entrepreneurship grant that has empowered young minds to translate knowledge into impactful enterprises, and removal of universities from the Intergrated Payroll Information System (IPPIS).
He noted that the removal of universities from the IPPIS has restored financial autonomy to the institutions and enabled them to function with greater efficiency.
“Furthermore, the kind approval for the domiciliation of TETFund research funds within the respective institutions has equally strengthened the capacity for groundbreaking research and innovation,” the statement reads.
“These bold and forward-thinking policies are undoubtedly positioning Nigeria’s university system to meet the demands of the 21st century.”
The minister thanked the management of UNICAL for the honourary doctorate degree in law conferred on him, noting that the recognition would make him to remain steadfast in his contributions to national development, upholding ideals of excellence and service as an inspiration to the next generation.
“As I proudly accept this honorary doctorate, I do so with renewed vigor to contribute even more meaningful to the advancement of education, good governance and national development,” he said.
“I am deeply humbled and honoured by this recognition. The University of Calabar has written my name in its golden records, and I embrace this moment with great responsibility.”
