By Remi Johnson
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s transformative interventions in the higher education sector, describing them as a significant boost to Nigeria’s university system.
Speaking at the University of Calabar’s 50th anniversary and 37th convocation ceremony, where he was conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law, Wike commended the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which he said has revitalized tertiary education in the country.
He highlighted the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a groundbreaking initiative that has provided financial relief for students, ensuring that no deserving individual is denied access to quality education due to financial constraints.
According to a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, the Minister also cited other key interventions, including the Students Start-up Innovation and Entrepreneurship Grant, which is equipping young minds with the resources to transform knowledge into impactful enterprises.
Additionally, Wike praised the federal government’s decision to remove universities from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), a move he said has restored financial autonomy to higher institutions, enabling them to function with greater efficiency.
“Furthermore, the approval for the domiciliation of TETFund Research Funds within individual universities has significantly enhanced the capacity for groundbreaking research and innovation,” he added. “These bold and forward-thinking policies are undoubtedly positioning Nigeria’s university system to meet the demands of the 21st century.”
Expressing gratitude to the University of Calabar for the honorary doctorate, Wike described the recognition as a call to greater service. He reaffirmed his commitment to education, good governance, and national development, pledging to uphold the ideals of excellence and inspire the next generation.
“As I proudly accept this honorary degree, I do so with renewed vigor to contribute even more meaningfully to the advancement of education and national progress,” he stated. “I am deeply humbled by this honor. The University of Calabar has written my name in its golden records, and I embrace this moment with great responsibility.”
The event marked a significant milestone in the University of Calabar’s history, celebrating five decades of academic excellence and the achievements of its graduates.