76 UI FOUNDATION DAY: Tinubu Urges Partnership between Varsity Teachers and Government for Economic Sustainablity
Oru Leonard
President Bola Tinubu has urged university teachers to partner with the government to boost Nigeria’s economy, warning that a collapsed economy would have dire consequences for everyone. Speaking at the University of Ibadan’s 76th Founders’ Day, Tinubu emphasized the importance of collaboration between academic unions, particularly ASUU, and the government to develop a funding blueprint for the university system.
Tinubu’s administration aims to drive economic growth, targeting a 3.76% growth rate in 2024 and an ambitious $1 trillion economy by 2026, expanding to $3 trillion by 2030. To achieve this, the President encouraged universities to re-assess themselves in light of national and global expectations, recognizing their role as temples of wisdom and innovation.
Key stakeholders echoed Tinubu’s sentiments:
– Sultan of Sokoto and Chancellor, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar*: Urged governments to increase funding for tertiary institutions to address education sector challenges.
– Pro-Chancellor Adebisi Akande: Called for establishing farming villages to bridge the gap between universities and the agriculture sector.
– Vice Chancellor Prof Kayode Adebowale: Appealed for special attention and funding to transform the University of Ibadan into a world-class academic destination.
The event celebrated 485 PhD graduates and honored four eminent Nigerians with honorary doctoral awards. As Nigeria strives for economic growth, the partnership between academia and government is crucial for success.
Dignitaries including the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Borno State Governor, Shehu of Borno, Olu of Ibadan (Represented) and a host of others
Highlights:
It is a tradition of the University that each Foundation Day and Convocation Ceremonies, people who are identified as men/women of outstanding abilities and distinguished service from all parts of the world are decorated with Honorary Degrees of Doctor of Letters, Doctor of Literature, Doctor of Science or
Law and Fellowships of the University of Ibadan.
After due process this year, the Senate approved the Chief Moji Ladipo, mni, FNIM, First Female Registrar of the University of Ibadan – Doctor of
Letters, Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, OFR, Founder and Executive Chairman of Oriental Energy Resources-Doctor of Letters, Emeritus Professor Olufemi A. Bamiro, FAS, Tenth Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Doctor of Science and Mr Victor Etuokwu, MON, Former Deputy Managing Director, Access Bank Plc – Doctor of
Science
