President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expressed that his administration is actively working on implementing a policy to grant full autonomy to universities. Represented by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, President Tinubu made this announcement during the 48th convocation of the University of Benin in Benin over the weekend,Daily Trust reports.
He emphasized his belief that university autonomy would significantly improve the quality of university education. According to him, granting autonomy to universities places the responsibility for performance directly on the individual institutions, a step he views as essential and in the right direction.
President Tinubu affirmed his commitment to repositioning tertiary institutions and the education sector to ensure excellent service delivery. He stated that his administration aims to transform the narrative of higher education for the better, positioning these institutions on a pedestal that enables them to compete globally.
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Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State pledged that first-class graduates from the University of Benin who are of Edo origin would receive automatic employment in the state’s civil and public service.
The institution’s chancellor, Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse, Tor Tiv V, outlined challenges facing the university, including inadequate funding, limited research opportunities, insufficient academic staff, inadequate infrastructure, and corruption.
