President Bola Tinubu has said his administration is set commenced moves to review the conditions of service and remuneration of university staff across the country, with a view to aligning their pay and welfare with prevailing economic realities and improving the quality of teaching, research and learning in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

Tinubu speaking at the 49th Convocation Ceremony of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to dialogue as the key to achieving lasting industrial peace in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. 

Tinubu, represented by ex-Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Professor Kabir Bala, emphasised the need for mutual respect and collaboration between the government and university staff.

He admonished university staff to dialogue with the government to resolve differences, saying “doing so would ensure universities can remain open, stable, conducive and productive.”

According to the president “Government remains committed to dialogue as the surest path to lasting industrial peace in our tertiary institutions. 

“The Federal Government is, therefore, intensifying efforts to review the conditions of service and remuneration of university staff to reflect the realities of the present-day economy. In collaboration with relevant staff unions within the university system and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, we are already developing a sustainable framework that rewards dedication, innovation and productivity while also ensuring fiscal responsibility.

“Let us, therefore, continue to resolve our differences through dialogue and mutual respect so that our universities can remain open, stable, conducive and productive. We are expanding opportunities for collaboration among the university system, industry, and government.”

Addressing the graduands, Tinubu said, “Your generation represents the hope and promise of a better Nigeria. Our nation looks up to you not just to succeed, but to make a difference in your chosen professions, in your communities, and in the global arena. Wherever life takes you as ambassadors of this university, remember to carry the Great Ife spirit of excellence, courage and progress.”

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, while delivering the convocation lecture, titled, ‘Raising a New Generation of Leaders for the World in Such a Difficult Time Through University Education’, urged universities to start departments that will award degrees in leadership to graduates.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Simeon Bamire, in his address, said a total of 6,5262 students graduated with various degrees during the 49th convocation.

Providing a breakdown of the graduates, Bamire said, “Undergraduate diplomas – 54, classified degree – 5,253, unclassified degree – 295, Postgraduate – 959”.