The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, on Monday said the Tinubu administration would grant full autonomy to Federal Government-owned universities in the country.

The minister noted that the autonomy would allow universities to source funding through various means to enable them meet their financial obligations.

Speaking during the 2023 Nigeria Annual Education Conference which had in attendance commissioners of education from states and other stakeholders in the education sector, Mamman said the ministry would work to ensure that the goals of the Tinubu-led Federal Government are met as regards the education sector.

“As you all know, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has publicly declared his commitment to overhaul the education sector as a matter of priority. It is, therefore important that the Federal Ministry of Education and all stakeholders in the sector work together to see this vision come true. The days of long declarations are over, this time, we must work the talk

“I am also happy to note that the technical sessions have been structured to address very contemporary and topical issues in the education sector in Nigeria. Discussions to be held on Tertiary education in Nigeria which are expected to focus on emerging trends including university autonomy and the Students Loans Fund as well as education financing align perfectly with President Tinubu’s vision for the sector.

“Mr. President is determined among others to initiate a new creative means of funding tertiary education by granting universities the autonomy to explore new sources of financing their activities.

“In the same vein, your deliberations on enhancing entrepreneurial skills, vocational and technical education in Nigerian schools directly speaks to Mr President’s vision of promoting technical and vocational education as a means of absorbing the millions of young school leavers who complete primary and secondary schools every year but cannot get admission to universities, other tertiary institutions or employed with ease.”

Speaking further, the minister expressed sadness at the murder of the nursing student of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Atanda Modupe. He however directed the Vice-chancellor of the institution to work with security operatives to uncover the perpetrators of the crime.

“Last week, the media reported the murder of a nursing student Miss Attanda Modupe Debora student of Federal University Oyo-Ekkti, same week that the safe school events took place.

“This is indeed heartbreaking. The ministry directs the Vice-Chancellor in concerted efforts with the security to uncover the perpetrators of this heinous crime while i reiterate the ministry’s resolve to secure our schools. Our condolences go to the family.”