President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s tertiary education sector through improved funding and strategic reforms. The assurance was delivered at the 35th Convocation Ceremony of Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED) in Ondo State.
Represented by Prof. Adebayo Bamire, Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Tinubu acknowledged the widespread difficulties faced by higher education institutions, ranging from inadequate funding and deteriorating infrastructure to a shortage of academic staff and campus security concerns.
“These challenges are not lost on us,” the President stated. “We are implementing decisive measures to address them. Our universities are integral to national development, and as such, they have been prioritized in our funding agenda.”
He emphasized that institutions recently upgraded from colleges of education to universities, such as AFUED, would not be overlooked. Special attention, he said, would be given to ensure they are equipped to fulfill their new mandates.
In his address to the graduating students, Tinubu encouraged them to embody the values of creativity, resilience, and innovation, urging them to contribute meaningfully to the growth and transformation of Nigerian society.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State, represented by Secretary to the State Government Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, applauded the university’s progress and pledged continued collaboration between the state government and the institution. He urged graduates to stay focused and pursue excellence in their post-graduation endeavors.
Prof. Samuel Akintunde, Acting Vice-Chancellor of AFUED, announced that the convocation celebrated the graduation of over 20,000 students, including 12,556 with first degrees, 6,269 with Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE), and 1,501 diploma holders. He highlighted the pressing need for infrastructural upgrades and support, noting that the university has yet to receive a take-off grant since its conversion to a full-fledged university.
“All our progress to date has been fueled by internally generated revenue. For a university of our size and ambition, this is unsustainable in the long term,” Akintunde said. He called on the federal government to intervene with urgent support for faculty development, laboratory upgrades, and structural expansion.
The convocation also featured the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on three distinguished individuals: Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; renowned African Studies scholar, Professor Toyin Falola; and the Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Victor Kiladejo.
Pro-Chancellor Hajia Ganiyat Yusuf reaffirmed the university council’s dedication to aligning with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and working tirelessly to enhance the institution’s standards.
As the ceremony concluded, 51 graduates emerged with First Class honours, while over 9,000 others earned degrees across Second Class Upper, Second Class Lower, Third Class, and Pass divisions.
The event marks another milestone for AFUED as it transitions into its new role in Nigeria’s evolving educational landscape.
