President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Engr. Abubakar Momoh, disclosed plans for full autonomy for universities during the University of Benin's 48th convocation. Tinubu believes autonomy will directly enhance institutional performance and elevate the quality of higher education. The proposed policy aims to transfer responsibility directly to each institution, fostering a competitive environment globally. Expressing commitment to repositioning tertiary institutions, the administration seeks to transform the narrative of higher education for the better.
Tinubu's vision includes empowering universities to compete on par with global counterparts. The announcement comes amidst challenges faced by universities, including inadequate funding, poor research opportunities, insufficient academic staff, inadequate infrastructure, and corruption, as listed by the chancellor, Prof. James Ortese Iorzua Ayatse. The Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, pledged automatic employment for the institution's first-class graduates of Edo origin in the state's civil and public service. The government's commitment to enhancing education quality and fostering a conducive environment for academic excellence remains a focal point in its agenda.
