The Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has said that education is not free anywhere in the world
Gbajabiamila also added that the federal and state governments cannot afford qualitative education at the scale required to meet present and future needs
The President’s Chief of Staff made this assertion while delivering the Osun State University, UNIOSUN, annual lecture titled; “Interrogating the Funding of Education: Global Versus Nigerian Perspectives”, on Tuesday in Osogbo.
While insisting that the primary purpose of education is to improve the individual’s mind and body to enable them become beneficial to society, Gbajabiamila said, “The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in Section 18, mandates that the government direct its policy towards ensuring equal and adequate educational opportunities at all levels.
“Many consider education a privilege. I consider it a right, indeed a fundamental human right, and inalienable right. Why? It is one of the rights that opens the door to other rights and makes you aware of other rights, written or unwritten.
“I have long believed that investing in people by providing opportunities for education and skills acquisition not only changes the individual’s life but also offers the best possibility of transformational impact on the well being of our society.”
He disclosed that the number of universities in the country is still insufficient to meet the demands of a young and growing population
“But you see, ladies and gentlemen, nothing is ever free, least of all education. Analysis of the 2024 budget of the Federal Government of Nigeria by the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research, NISER, shows the allocation of N2.18 trillion to education.
“However, it will come as no surprise to education administrators that these Sims, large as they are, still fall far short of what is required to ensure that out universities operate at the same level as their counterparts in Africa and across the world.”
Touching on the subject of university funding, Gbajabiamila said, ” the financial contributions of international students are a significant revenue stream for universities worldwide, helping to subsidise university education for the citizens of those countries.”
He challenged public universities to increase their international profiles to become attractive destinations for international students willing to pay fees that might otherwise be practically and politically inexpedient for native students.
He also called for zero tolerance to harassments and victimisation in higher institutions of learning.
The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke in his speech commended the introduction of student loan fund, NELFUND, to ensure that Nigerians have unbroken access to quality tertiary education.
“We must continue to rally support for our President as he strives daily to right the wrongs of the past that had caused hunger and poverty for the country’, Governor Adeleke said.
He assured the Chief of Staff to the President that the government and people of Osun State are solidly behind the president, praying that God will grant him success.
While calling on Governors in the Southwest to keep supporting the laudable initiative of the administration of President Tinubu, Governor Adeleke stressed the need for the Yoruba race to key-in into the NELFUND and ensure that students from the zone maximise the opportunity accrued from the policy.
Governor Adeleke also said UNIOSUN has become a model for others to copy from.
He commended the university and its governing council and assured of the support of his administration.
He said the annual lecture is never a waste of time and resources, disclosing that, “the Vice Chancellor is a blessing to the university and Osun State as a whole.”
He said the state is experiencing rapid achievements educationally and appreciated Gbajabiamila for honouring the university and the state in treating the lecture.
In his welcome address, the UNIOSUN VC, Prof Clement Adebooye insisted that education is a knowledge industry which is not free.
He said, “Education is not free anywhere in the world because somebody somewhere must pay for teaching and learning to generate education.
“That’s is why TETFUND must not die. Funding is as important as accountability. We are grateful to the federal and state government and private persons who have supported the university.”
He also urged the Federal Government to look into the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, FGN proposal in earnest so as to enhance the quality of the university system
He also requested for enhancement of the lectures salary
