The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to advancing higher education in Nigeria, describing his interventions as transformative.
Speaking on Saturday at the University of Calabar after receiving an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law during the institution’s 50th anniversary and 37th convocation ceremony, Wike praised Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said had revitalized the university system.
He highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as a key initiative that has provided financial relief for students, ensuring that no one is denied access to quality education due to financial constraints.
According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike also lauded other interventions in the higher education sector.
These include the Student Start-up Innovation and Entrepreneurship Grant, which empowers young entrepreneurs, and the removal of universities from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System, a move that has restored financial autonomy to institutions.
He further commended the decision to allow TETFund research funds to be domiciled within respective universities, describing it as a policy that strengthens research capacity and fosters innovation.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda has injected new life into our university system through landmark Interventions that are transforming the landscape of tertiary education.
“Furthermore, 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,” Wike stated.
Expressing gratitude to UNICAL for the honorary degree, the FCT Minister described the recognition as an encouragement to continue contributing to national development.
“As I proudly accept this honorary doctorate, I do so with renewed vigor to contribute even more meaningfully to the advancement of education, good governance, and national development. The University of Calabar has written my name in its golden records, and I embrace this moment with great responsibility,” he said.
