Echono raised concerns about the government's oversight of universities, despite the existence of the Universities Autonomy Act No. 1 of 2007, which is intended to allow universities to self-govern and manage their financial affairs, among other duties. He highlighted that the Act's main objective is to liberate universities from the bureaucratic limitations imposed by the civil service, thereby enabling governing councils to exercise their authority and fulfill their roles without excessive external pressure or interference.
The Executive Secretary noted that government involvement, especially through constitutional measures and the dissolution of governing councils, has hindered universities from creating independent appeal mechanisms. In his convocation address titled “University Autonomy and the Challenge of Quality Tertiary Education in Nigeria,” Echono articulated that autonomy would enable universities to effectively oversee their academic programs, staff welfare, and financial management. He also clarified that granting autonomy does not relieve the federal government of its obligation to finance universities, nor does it suggest the privatization of these institutions.
He stated, “The existing government policy on autonomy for universities in Nigeria allows them to govern themselves, appoint key officers, determine staff conditions of service, control student admissions and academic curricula, manage their finances and generally operate as independent legal entities without undue interference from the federal government and its agencies.
“This policy is derived from the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003, also known as the Universities Autonomy Act №1 of 2007.
“The Act, enacted by the National Assembly and signed into law on July 10, 2003, was later gazetted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette №10, Volume 94 on January 12, 2007, as Act №1 of 2000.
“The overall goal of the Act is to liberate our universities from the civil service bureaucracy and enable university governing councils to exercise their powers without undue external influence.
“However, the government retains ultimate control over universities through constitutional provisions and the dissolution of governing councils. The President is the final arbiter in all appeal processes regarding federal institutions, and the government holds legislative power.
“Thus, it can be argued that autonomy under the Act is not absolute. For instance, despite the provisions for autonomy, Section 2AAA (2) mandates that a university council must ensure that the disbursement of university funds complies with the budgetary ratios approved by the government.
“While the Act is silent on the issue of internally generated revenue, it may imply that universities can freely disburse revenue generated from various sources without government interference. However, the government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy requires all government agencies and institutions to pay their revenues into the TSA.
Addressing these fundamental conflicts is essential for reinstating autonomy within our universities.
“It is important to note that university autonomy should not be interpreted as absolving the government of its responsibility to fund universities, nor does it imply the abdication or privatization of these institutions. The desirability of university autonomy encompasses three aspects: academic, administrative, and financial autonomy.”
President Bola Tinubu, in his address, reaffirmed his administration's dedication to providing financial support for universities to ensure the delivery of quality and effective education.
Represented by Professor Adebayo Bamire, the Vice Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Tinubu highlighted the APC-led government's acknowledgment of the significance of quality education and its initiatives aimed at making it accessible to all Nigerians.
“The federal government recognizes the importance of quality education. My administration is unwavering in its commitment to quality education and university funding. We are dedicated to supporting higher institutions to ensure their success,” he stated.
During the convocation ceremony, the university conferred honorary degrees (Honoris Causa) on four distinguished individuals who have made significant contributions to their fields.
They are Senator Kanu Agabi, SAN, former Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Federation; Chief Adebayo Ojo, SAN, former Attorney General and Minister of the Federation; Segun Alebiosu, Managing Director of First Bank of Nigeria; and Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace Airline.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Senator Kanu Agabi expressed gratitude to the university for the honour and viewed it as a challenge to do more.
He used the opportunity to call on the federal government to review its policies to encourage investment in the country rather than enacting laws that deter development.
The university graduated a total of 8,444 students, comprised of 177 first-class, 3,466 second-class upper, 3,715 second-class lower, 831 third-class, and two pass degrees.
The Institution also convoked postgraduate students, which include 38 Ph.D., 211 MSc/MBA and 4 PGD.
During the convocation ceremony, the university awarded honorary degrees (Honoris Causa) to four eminent individuals recognized for their substantial contributions to their respective fields.
The honorees included Senator Kanu Agabi, SAN, who previously served as the Attorney General and Minister of Justice of the Federation; Chief Adebayo Ojo, SAN, also a former Attorney General and Minister of the Federation; Segun Alebiosu, the Managing Director of First Bank of Nigeria; and Dr. Allen Onyema, the Chairman of Air Peace Airline.
In his remarks on behalf of the recipients, Senator Kanu Agabi expressed his appreciation to the university for the recognition, viewing it as an impetus to further their efforts.
He took this opportunity to urge the federal government to reassess its policies to foster investment in the nation, rather than implementing regulations that hinder progress.
The university celebrated the graduation of 8,444 students, which included 177 first-class degrees, 3,466 second-class upper degrees, 3,715 second-class lower degrees, 831 third-class degrees, and two pass degrees.
Additionally, the institution conferred degrees upon postgraduate students, comprising 38 Ph.D. candidates, 211 MSc/MBA graduates, and 4 PGD recipients.