By Kemi Olatunde & Francis Akinnodi , Ondo

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that universities and other tertiary institutions have been factored into the Federal Government’s plans for increased funding to enable them compete favourably with their counterparts globally.

The President gave the assurance during the 35th convocation of the Adeyemi Federal University of Education (AFUED), Ondo.

Represented by the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Prof. Adebayo Bamire, Tinubu said: “It is worthy of mention that my administration is making conscious efforts to align with staff-based unions in universities to stem the tide of incessant industrial actions.”

The Visitor to the University commended principal officers and staff for undertaking the herculean task of transforming the institution from a College of Education to a University.

He said, “It is noteworthy that this is the Federal Government’s first attempt at such an upgrade. As expected, emerging challenges have arisen. However, there is no problem without a solution. We are taking the bull by the horns to address these challenges head-on and resolve them.”

The President congratulated the graduands, saying: “No doubt, you are to be celebrated for persevering to successfully complete your various programmes. Congratulations to you all.

“You must now imbibe creativity, resilience, impulsion, and spontaneity. Be open and sensitive to the myriad of opportunities around you which you can harness and capitalise on to carve a niche for yourself in the field you have laboured in.”

Speaking at the same event, Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to prioritising educational advancement and improving the lives of the people of the state.

The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti, stressed that education remains a potent tool for transforming lives, noting that Ondo has become one of the states with an excellent educational record.

He said, “For instance, students from Ondo State performed excellently in the recently released 2025 UTME results by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.”

He commended the achievements of the institution, stressing that it has continued to explore opportunities for advancing education and improving service delivery.

He also lauded the hard work and resilience of the Council, Management, and staff of the university for sustaining its outstanding academic excellence through integrated and contemporary teaching, learning and research methods, despite daunting challenges.

Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasised the need for the institution to remain focused and continue to be a shining ambassador, calling for the promotion of integrity, compassion, and knowledge in all endeavours.

While applauding the cordial relationship between his government and the institution, Aiyedatiwa assured of continued support in all areas.

He said, “A careful examination of our development policy thrust, with the acronym ‘OUR EASE’, exemplifies our determination to enrich our people.

“This represents our vision for a brighter future where every individual has the opportunity to thrive. I urge this institution not to relent in its crucial role in the development of our state and Nigeria at large. We are confident that through this innovative collaboration with you, we can forge ahead and totally eradicate the challenges currently facing the country.”

In her address, Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of AFUED, Hajia Ganiyat Adeola Yusuf, lauded President Tinubu’s commitment to revamping the nation’s economy, improving tertiary education, and launching the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which she said has provided invaluable support to Nigerian youths.

She affirmed the Governing Council’s commitment to supporting the national vision encapsulated in President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, pledging to continue to offer its best as the supervisory body of the University.