President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that revitalization of the country’s education sector will remain his administration’s priority and cornerstone of his Renewed Hope Agenda.

Mr Tinubu said this in Nsukka on Friday in a message at the 54th convocation of the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) which witnessed the award of higher degrees, diplomas, honorary degrees and professor emeritus.

According to him, an educated society is the bedrock of economic, social growth and technological advancement.

The President was represented by the Vice-Chancellor of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike, Umuahia, Abia State, Prof Maduebibisi Iwe.

Mr Tinubu said it was the reason his administration prioritised the revitalisation of the country’s education sector as the cornerstone of his Renewed Hope Agenda.

“It is because of the importance of education to national growth and development that I allocated more funds to education in the 2025 national budget. An educated society fosters innovation, reduces crime, and empowers citizens to make informed decisions. Recognising this, my administration has prioritised the revitalization of Nigeria’s education sector as cornerstone of my renewed hope agenda,” the president said.

Mr Tinubu noted that when he assumed office two years ago, the state of education in Nigeria was far from ideal.

He said through targeted policies and strategic investments, his administration initiated transformative changes aimed at inclusivity, skill acquisition, data-driven planning, and quality enhancement.

“In an unprecedented move, my administration allocated a record N3.52 trillion to education in the 2025 federal budget, a 61.47 per cent increase from the previous year. The substantial allocation underscores our commitment to improving infrastructure, expanding student funding, and enhancing access to quality education at all levels,” he said.

The president urged graduands to use the knowledge and training garnered from UNN to contribute to national development.

“As you step into the world, remember that your education is a tool for change, use it to drive progress and development,” he said.

Also, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, UNN, Dr Kayode Ojo,in his speech, congratulated those who received higher degrees and urged them to use it to contribute to national development.

He also congratulated persons awarded honorary degrees for their outstanding contributions to society.

The pro-chancellor further urged the awardees to be motivated by the honour to do more for humanity.

He stated, “While appreciating Mr President for his unprecedented support to UNN, it is sad to note that the university has not justified the huge investments. Owing to massive decay of critical infrastructures, abandoned projects and environmental aesthetic challenges. These, in addition to the diminished job satisfaction by the academic and non-teaching staff arising from long-term poor administrative performance, have reduced the lion’s den to an abandoned poultry.’’

Mr Ojo, however, announced that the council had since carried out a holistic review of plans and strategies to revamp the university and return its lost glory.

Earlier in a remark, Acting Vice-Chancellor, UNN, Prof Oguejiofo Ujam, said that his administration in the past five months made significant achievements.

He listed them to include the provision of access roads, clean water for students’ hostels and staff quarters.

“Through an alumnus of the university, we now have a 50,000-litre tank that provides water for the institution,” he said

Mr Ujam noted that one of the challenges bedevilling the institution was poor power supply, lamenting that the university’s monthly public electricity bill was not less than N200 million. 

“This financial burden significantly impacts our operational capacity and resource allocation,” the VC stated. 

The VC while congratulating the graduands, urged them to remember to always identify and support their alma mater while being good ambassadors of the institution wherever they found themselves.

A former National President, University of Nigeria Alumni Association, Andrew Oru and six others were among the eminent Nigerians conferred with an honorary doctorate award by the institution.

 (NAN)