President Bola Tinubu has bemoaned the incessant strikes embarked on by labour unions and the Academic Staff Union of universities, ASUU, because they have “cr*ppled effects of the wellbeing of any society.”
He expressed concerns at the 27th Convocation of the University of Abuja on Saturday, while promising that his administration will enhance quality education through the implementation of strategic policies in the sector.
Tinubu was represented by the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-governmental Affairs, Mr Zephaniah Jisalo at the occasion.
He said that one of the key strategies of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ is financial autonomy for tertiary institutions which will encourage universities to source funds through grants and corporate sponsorships.
The president said the administration would ensure that the nation’s universities and other tertiary institutions are adequately funded to meet the collective aspirations even in the face of dwindling national income.
“We recognise the rights of workers to embark on strikes as instrument for pressing home their demands. However, our administration will like to caution that incessant strikes and sustained industrial unrest have cr!ppled effects of the wellbeing of any society.
“Our public universities are living testimonies of the disruption, instability and irreparable damage caused by strikes to the tertiary education sector.
“In the same vein, I want to assure the unions that henceforth, any agreements and memoranda signed between them and the government will be implemented to the latter,” he said.
Tinubu added that the administration is determined to ensure that Nigerians, particularly students, parents and all stakeholders in the education sector, are not subjected to harrowing experiences of the unnecessary closure of tertiary institutions.
“As you celebrate your achievements today, I urge you all to leverage on the knowledge and skills acquired during your academic pursuit to contribute meaningfully to the society by caving a better future for yourselves.
“You are the torch bearers of the nation and we awaits the impact you will all make. I advise you all to make Nigeria what it should be by your remarkable impacts,” he said.
