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By Gabriel Dike
President Bola Tinubu has affirmed his commitment to revitalise the nation’s education sector to boost national development.
He also revealed that his government sees education as the cornerstone and bedrock of growth.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made the declaration at the 55th convocation of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), yesterday.
The president said the understanding is reflected in his administration’s policies and investments in the education sector.
He disclosed that the allocation of N3.52 trillion to education in the 2025 budget underscores his government’s commitment to revitalise the sector.
Tinubu also revealed that he has initiated reforms to address systemic challenges in tertiary education.
He said the conferment of honorary degrees to three prominent Nigerians underscores the values of excellence, service, and leadership that UNILAG cherishes.
Meanwhile, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Chief Wole Olanipekun, has advised the government to declare a state of emergency in education to arrest the drift.
Olanipekun faulted the “Japa” syndrome by Nigerian youths and urged government and stakeholders to find a solution to the issue.
“Japa Syndrome is something we have to think about. We must find a solution to this syndrome. There is no more free lunch. Let us stay back together and dig it out.
In her address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, acknowledged the success recorded by Dr. Alausa, in a short period of being at the saddle of the education sector, despite obvious challenges.
She commended the administration of President Tinubu for the introduction of the Nigeria Education Load Fund (NELFUND) to increase access to education.
At the ceremony, 6,725 were awarded postgraduate degrees, 6,659 from the School of Postgraduate studies and 66 from the UNILAG Business School (ULBS).
