Tinubu Restores Stability in Tertiary Institutions, Presidency Says

The Presidency has stated that Bola Ahmed Tinubu has restored stability to Nigeria’s tertiary education system, noting that the country is experiencing its first uninterrupted academic calendar in about three decades. This position was made known by Sunday Asefon, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Students Engagement, in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday to mark the President’s birthday. He explained that the current administration has achieved industrial harmony across universities, a development he described as a major turnaround for the sector. According to Asefon, more than 90 percent of students admitted into Nigerian universities in 2023 are expected to graduate in 2026, particularly those enrolled in four-year programmes. He described this development as evidence of fulfilled promises, stressing that academic disruptions that once delayed students’ progress have significantly reduced. He further highlighted key reforms introduced under the current administration, including the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has reportedly disbursed over N206 billion to students across 270 institutions within a period of 23 months. He also referenced the 2025 agreement between the Federal Government and the Academic Staff Union of Universities, noting that it addressed longstanding disputes that previously led to frequent strikes. In his remarks, Asefon described the President as a leader committed to youth development and educational advancement, adding that ongoing reforms are creating opportunities for students to succeed without disruptions. He also acknowledged the role of the Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, stating that his policies have positively impacted students and contributed to ongoing improvements in the education sector. Reinforcing the Presidency’s position, Alausa recalled that between 1999 and 2022, the university system experienced at least 16 major strikes, leading to over 55 months of academic shutdowns. He noted that such disruptions have now been eliminated, describing the current situation as unprecedented in over 30 years. The Minister added that the administration’s commitment to ensuring that “four years will be four years” is now being realized, as students admitted in 2023 are on track to graduate as scheduled. He urged Nigerians to recognize what he described as significant progress in the nation’s higher education system. The Presidency concluded by reaffirming its commitment to sustaining stability in universities and advancing policies aimed at improving the academic experience for Nigerian students.