On Saturday, Obafemi Awolowo University graduates 5,852 students at its 46th convocation ceremony.
The graduands were conferred various educational degrees, ranging from bachelor to doctor of Philosophy.
Many dignitaries attended the convocation ceremony including President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the Director of Education Planning at the National Universities Commission, Dr. Noel Saliu; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan; the Chancellor, Alhaji (Dr) Yahaya Abubakar; and the Ondo state governor, Rotimi Akeredolu represented by the Ondo State Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Olufemi Agagu.
Speaking at the event, the president noted the need to introduce a highly sustainable model of funding tertiary education to ease the burden on the government.
The Commissioner, Dr. Noel Saliu, on behalf of the president said some countries share the burden of the cost of education between the government and the people, and Nigeria should build its model for education funding.
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He said, “I want all of us to know and note that government alone cannot provide the resources required for funding tertiary education.
“In fact, in most countries, the cost of education is jointly shared between the government and the people, especially at the tertiary level. It is imperative, therefore, that we introduce a highly sustainable model of funding tertiary education.
“This government remains committed to the implementation of the agreement reached with staff unions within the available resources, and we are resolute that we will not sign any agreement that we cannot truthfully implement. Government is equally committed to improving the quality of education at other levels.”