President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has promised a fairer university pay review as his administration moves to improve the welfare and conditions of service of academic staff nationwide. The move aims to align salaries with current economic realities and strengthen teaching, research, and learning in Nigeria’s universities.
Tinubu made the pledge at the 49th Convocation Ceremony of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State. Notably, he reaffirmed that dialogue remains the best path to lasting industrial peace in tertiary institutions.
The President spoke through a former Vice-Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Professor Kabir Bala. Accordingly, he stressed the need for mutual respect and cooperation between the Federal Government and university staff unions.
Dialogue Central to University Pay Review Plan
Furthermore, Tinubu urged university staff to engage constructively with the government to resolve disputes. He said dialogue would help universities remain open, stable, and productive.
“Government remains committed to dialogue as the surest path to lasting industrial peace,” the President said. Therefore, the Federal Government has intensified efforts toward a university pay review and improved welfare.
He explained that the process involves staff unions within the university system and the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. As a result, a sustainable framework is being developed to reward dedication, innovation, and productivity while maintaining fiscal responsibility.
Tinubu Pushes University–Industry Collaboration
In addition, Tinubu said his administration is expanding collaboration among universities, industry, and government. He noted that such partnerships would boost innovation, research output, and national development.
Addressing the graduands, the President described them as the hope of Nigeria’s future. He added that they must aim not only for success but also for impact in their professions and communities.
Akpabio, Bamire Speak at Convocation
Meanwhile, Senate President Godswill Akpabio delivered the convocation lecture titled, “Raising a New Generation of Leaders for the World in Such a Difficult Time Through University Education.” During the lecture, he urged universities to introduce leadership degree programmes.
Earlier, OAU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simeon Bamire, announced that 6,562 students graduated at the ceremony. Specifically, the breakdown included 54 undergraduate diplomas, 5,253 classified degrees, 295 unclassified degrees, and 959 postgraduate degrees.
