President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s led Federal Government has announced that the government can no longer bear the financial burden of universities in the country.
OBSERVERSTIMES reports that during a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Permanent Secretary for the Federal Ministry of Education, Andrew David Adejo, emphasised that while universities already enjoy autonomy, they lack financial autonomy.
Adejo explained, “Whether we like it or not, the government can no longer foot the bill for universities. That is why we are pursuing private-public partnerships. The universities already have autonomy; what they lack is financial autonomy. Once they obtain it, they will be able to address this issue, and the government is actively working towards that goal.”
In addition to this development, President Tinubu has instructed relevant stakeholders to ensure the disbursement of student loans by the end of the September/October 2023/2024 Academic Session.