Calabar: Mr Nyesom Wike, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has praised President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for its role in revitalizing Nigeria’s university education system. Wike made these remarks during the 37th convocation ceremony of the University of Calabar (UniCal), where he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Law.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Wike commended the President’s dedication to higher education, noting that ongoing interventions are reshaping the landscape of tertiary education across the nation. He highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a significant initiative that has eased financial burdens on students, ensuring that no willing individual is denied access to quality education.
Wike further elaborated on the Students’ Start-up Innovation and Entrepreneurship Grant, which empowers youths to convert knowledge into enterprise. He emphasized that the exclusion of universities from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) has advanced institutional autonomy, restoring financial independence and allowing universities to operate more efficiently.
He also pointed out that allowing TETFund research funds to remain within institutions enables them to engage in innovative and groundbreaking research. These progressive policies, Wike said, are positioning Nigeria’s universities to effectively respond to the needs of the 21st century.
Expressing gratitude to the University of Calabar for the honorary degree, Wike stated that the recognition inspires him to continue contributing meaningfully to national progress. “I am truly honoured by this recognition. UniCal has inscribed my name in its golden records, and I accept this honour with immense responsibility,” he said.