President Bola Tinubu has declared his administration’s commitment to putting an end to industrial actions in universities nationwide.
Speaking at the 17th convocation ceremony of Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka, Tinubu, represented by Mrs Rakiya Iliyasu, the Director of Tertiary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, addressed the university community as its visitor.
The President said: “We are aware of the challenges facing higher education in Nigeria, and we are addressing it strategically and holistically.
“Efforts are being made to address the infrastructure and human capital deficiencies through TETfund (Tertiary Education Trust Fund).
“It is the desire of this government that industrial action would be a thing of the past. This government is doing everything possible for a better relationship between the unions and government, which can stop such industrial actions.
“University education is capital intensive and government alone cannot take care of it, but all stakeholders must put their hands on deck in this regard. I’m happy with TETfund intervention in the university and I urge the university to take ownership of it and also ensure they serve their purpose.”
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof Charles Esimone, stated that the university graduated 6,000 first degree students, 3,300 post graduate diploma students, 807 Masters degree students and 600 doctorate degree students.
Three eminent Nigerians were also awarded honourary doctorate degrees. They include: Abdul-Samad Rabiu, Ikenna Okafor and Okey Anueyiagu.