By Alade Adisa
The federal government is set to install solar power panels in public higher institutions in the country to help reduce the burden of high power bills the institutions are paying monthly.
President Bola Tinubu said this on Thursday during the 55th graduation ceremony of the University of Lagos, UNILAG.
He was represented by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa.
“My administration recognizes that education is the cornerstone of national development. It is the bedrock upon which a prosperous society is built. This understanding is reflected in our policies and investments in the education sector.
“In the proposed 2025 Budget, we have allocated N3.52 trillion to education, the third-highest allocation, underscoring our commitment to revitalizing the sector. This “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity” reflects our determination to stabilize the economy, improve lives, and position Nigeria for a brighter future.
“Key initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) have widened access to higher education, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder our youth from achieving their dreams. Thousands of students have already benefited, and we remain committed to expanding this program to benefit thousands more.
“Furthermore, we have initiated reforms to address systemic challenges in tertiary education. From removing universities from the IPPIS to approving recruitment waivers, our actions demonstrate a commitment to enhancing the quality and stability of higher education.
“We recognize that our universities are not just centers of learning but also engines of national innovation. That is why we are fostering stronger partnerships between academia and industry, and why we are committed to resuscitating critical projects like the Rural Electrification initiative. The University of Lagos, among other institutions, will soon benefit from solar power installations, furthering our vision of a sustainable education ecosystem,” he said.
He challenged the graduating students to embrace the challenges of the time and see them as opportunities to excel.”
He commended the management of the institution led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, for raising the banner of the institution to higher level
The President also celebrated Mr Kolawole Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, Mr. Fola Adeola, renowned businessman and investor, and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Director-General of the World Trade Organization who were honoured with honorary doctoral degrees by the university.
“Their conferment with honorary degrees underscores the values of excellence, service, and leadership that this institution cherishes,” he stated.
The Chairman of the Governing Council, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, expressed the readiness of members of the council to achieve the mandate of making the university one of the best in the world in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.
Olanipekun urged youths in the country to stay at home and help build the nation instead of dreaming of relocating abroad.
He added that even in those foreign countries, there is no free lunch.
He acknowledged that since Alausa took office as minister, he has been doing well and hoped that the sector would have experienced a great turnaround by the time the minister completes his tenure.
Prof. Ogunsola, in her speech, listed the various achievements recorded so far since she took office.
She thanked friends and benefactors of the university for keying into the vision of a future ready university she is pursuing by donating to the university.
