The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, has announced that the government of President Bola Tinubu is committed to achieving a stable academic calendar for tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Speaking during an event marking the 60th anniversary of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors in Abuja, the minister highlighted the government’s efforts to improve the welfare and security of academic communities.
Mamman acknowledged that the government had increased the salaries of workers in tertiary institutions as part of its commitment to the academic community’s welfare. He also revealed plans to review the security architecture for schools across the country, a critical step in ensuring the safety of students and staff.
The minister challenged the Committee of Vice-Chancellors to elevate Nigerian universities to global standards by using science and technology as tools for addressing societal challenges. He emphasized the importance of reliable energy sources for universities and mentioned plans to power institutions using gas-powered facilities through public-private partnerships.
Mamman disclosed that the government had initiated a scheme to provide gas-powered facilities to 18 universities initially, with more universities potentially benefiting from the program in the future. The aim is to enhance service delivery, facilitate research, and achieve cost savings in higher education.
Furthermore, the minister mentioned that a committee had been established to provide a roadmap for guiding education policy, implementation plans, deliverables, and key performance indicators. The committee’s report is expected to be submitted soon.
In his remarks, Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, the Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors, provided a brief history of the committee since its establishment in 1962. He noted that the University of Ibadan has remained the institution with the highest number of Vice-Chancellors since the committee’s inception.
The government’s commitment to enhancing the academic calendar and security of tertiary institutions in Nigeria is crucial for ensuring a conducive environment for learning, research, and development in the country’s higher education sector.