By: Abba Onyekachukwu, Abuja.
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, has commended the unwavering commitment of President Bola Tinubu, to the development of higher education in the country.
Wike made this commendation, at the University of Calabar, after he was conferred with the University’s Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law, during its 50th anniversary and 37th convocation ceremony, Saturday.
He said: “The ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ has injected new life into our university system through landmark interventions that are transforming the landscape of tertiary education.”
According to him, establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has provided the needed financial relief for students and ensured that no willing mind was denied access to quality education due to financial constraints.
He listed other interventions by the President in the sector to include the Students Start-up Innovation and Enterpreneurship Grant, which he said has empowered young minds to translate knowledge into impactful enterprises, as well as removal of universities from the Intergrated Payroll Information System (IPPIS).
Wike noted that the removal from IPPIS has restored financial autonomy to the institutions and enabled them to function with greater efficiency.
His words: “The kind approval for the domiciliation of TETFund Research Funds within the respective institutions has equally strengthened the capacity for groundbreaking research and innovation.”
“These bold and forward-thinking policies are undoubtedly positioning Nigeria’s university system to meet the demands of the 21st century”, he said.
Expressing appreciation to the University’s authorities for finding him worthy of the honour, the Minister said, it would serve as a charge to him to remain steadfast in contributing to national development, upholding ideals of excellence and service.
Wike said; “As I proudly accept this honorary doctorate, I do so with renewed vigor to contribute even more meaningful to the advancement of education, good governance and national development.”
“I am deeply humbled and honoured by this recognition. The University of Calabar has written my name in its golden records, and I embrace this moment with great responsibility,” the Minister stressed.
