Buhari approves N208bn for public varsities

TRACKING>President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday said he has approved N208billion as part of 2019 intervention through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund for infrastructural and teacher development in public tertiary institutions

The president said the intervention was part of his administration’s effort to address deficiencies in all the segments of our educational system.

Buhari disclosed this at the 23rd convocation of the University of Abuja yesterday.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Sonny Echono, Buhari said his administration would continue to provide funding that would address some of the challenges in the nation’s public institutions.

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“There is no doubt that Nigeria will be a global player in the emerging knowledge economy. What is required is to ensure the quality of our human capital and also maintain the desirable balance for sustainable national socio-economic growth and development,” the president said.

He also noted that for the country’s education system to favour it, the curriculum must focus on the development of entrepreneurial skills of the individuals and encourage research and innovations.

According to him, the National Universities Commission has put in place motion to address the country’s curriculum and the minimum qualification for university teachers.

Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof Michael Adikwu, said a total of 4,946 students graduated from the institution, with 24 awarded First Class Honours.