President Muhammadu Buhari in Ibadan, Oyo State on Saturday said that the agitation by the Academic Staff Union of Universities for improved welfare, infrastructure, funding and other contentious issues affecting the nation’s universities were genuine.
Represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Buhari at the 70th Foundation Day ceremony and award of certificates to the PhD graduands and honorary doctoral degree awards to some notable Nigerians by the University of Ibadan, however, said the government could not do it alone, calling for alternative sources of funding education.
The celebration saw six Nigerians conferred with honorary doctoral awards, they include: Bode Akindele; Prof.(Mrs.) Bolanle Awe; Prof. Grace Alele-Williams, Mrs Olufunmilayo Olopade, Prof. Akinlawon Mabogunje, and Prof. Omoniyi Adewoye.
Buhari admitted that the nation’s education was underfunded but regretted that the Federal Government could not meet all the demands of the lecturers.
He, therefore, called on the authorities of various institutions to explore other sources of fund to meet their demands.
