President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that there will be no further industrial actions by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) or any other workers’ unions in public tertiary institutions across the country. He emphasized that his administration is fully committed to maintaining uninterrupted academic sessions as a permanent feature of Nigeria’s education system.
The assurance came during his address at the 56th Convocation ceremony of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in Akoka, Lagos, where a total of 16,506 students across diploma, undergraduate, and postgraduate programs were awarded degrees for the 2024/2025 academic session.
Through the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the president highlighted key reforms and interventions aimed at driving meaningful development in tertiary education. These initiatives include the Nigerian Education Loans Fund (NELFUND) for students, the Institutional Staff Support Fund for university workers, and other targeted programs.
On ASUU, President Tinubu stated:
“Since the inception of my administration, we have witnessed two uninterrupted academic sessions across our tertiary institutions. This success is the result of firm political will, sustained dialogue, and responsible leadership. Acting under my direct mandate, we have signed a new agreement with ASUU, resolving a long-standing crisis that has repeatedly disrupted university education. This landmark achievement guarantees industrial harmony, a predictable academic calendar, and restores the dignity of learning. My administration will continue to implement far-reaching reforms in the education sector, focusing on curriculum restructuring, quality assurance, skill-based learning, literacy, and fostering innovation-led problem-solving.”
The president also emphasized the need for universities to produce graduates who are not only job-ready but also capable of becoming job creators and innovators.
Speaking earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of UNILAG, Chief Wole Olanipekun, praised President Tinubu for addressing longstanding challenges in public tertiary education. He, however, raised concerns about the rampant abuse of cyberspace in Nigeria and called for laws to curb cyberbullying and online misconduct. “The notion that individuals can insult or harass others online with impunity reflects a lawless system. Countries like the US and UK treat cyberbullying as a serious offence. Nigeria must enact and enforce similar laws to guide citizen behavior,” Olanipekun stated. He also congratulated the graduating students, urging them to make meaningful contributions to society.
The Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, commended the university Senate, staff, and other stakeholders for their dedication to advancing the institution. She praised the graduating students and their sponsors, highlighting that they had been thoroughly trained and were equipped to turn challenges into opportunities for societal impact.
The ceremony featured the presentation of academic and honorary awards to distinguished individuals. Emeritus Professorships were awarded to retired professors James Olowokudejo and Duro Oni, while Prof. Akinsanya Osibogun, a notable medical scholar, was elevated to Distinguished Professorship. Professor Ayoka Mopelola Olusakin, former Director of Academic Planning, and Dr. (Mrs.) Taiwo Ipaye, former Registrar, received the Gold Medal for their exceptional contributions to UNILAG and society.
Honorary doctoral degrees were conferred on Mr. Jubril Adewale Tinubu, founder and CEO of Oando Plc, and Mr. Kanu Agabi, former Minister of Justice. Top-performing graduates were also recognized, including Chukwuzubelu Benedict Umeozo, who achieved a perfect 5.0 CGPA as the overall best undergraduate, Haruna Abubakar as the top doctoral graduate, and Oyeyemi Adebamowo from the University’s Business School.
