The Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) has urged the federal government to grant full autonomy to Nigerian universities. The call was made by the Executive Secretary of TETFUND, Sonny Echono, during the 9th convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE) over the weekend.
Echono noted that despite the Universities Autonomy Act №1 of 2007, which grants universities the power to govern themselves, government interference remains a significant challenge. He pointed out that universities should be free to manage their finances, academic programs, and staff affairs without undue external control.
He explained that the main purpose of the Act is to remove universities from the bureaucratic limitations of the civil service and allow their governing councils to function effectively. However, he noted that the government still controls universities through constitutional provisions, including the dissolution of governing councils. This interference, according to him, prevents universities from operating independently and establishing effective appeal processes.
In his lecture titled “University Autonomy and the Challenge of Quality Tertiary Education in Nigeria,” Echono stated that autonomy would help universities improve their curriculum, enhance staff welfare, and properly manage their resources. He clarified that granting universities autonomy does not mean the government will stop funding them or privatize the institutions.
He noted, “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.”
Echono also pointed out that while universities are allowed to generate revenue, the government’s Treasury Single Account (TSA) policy requires all public institutions to deposit their earnings into a central account. This, he noted, contradicts the idea of financial autonomy and limits universities’ ability to manage their funds independently. He emphasized the need to resolve such conflicts to ensure true autonomy for universities.
President Bola Tinubu, in his remarks during the event, reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to funding higher education. Represented by the Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, Professor Adebayo Bamire, Tinubu noted that the government understands the importance of quality education and is committed to ensuring universities receive adequate support.
“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, FUOYE awarded honorary doctorate degrees to four distinguished individuals for their contributions to various fields. The awardees included Senator Kanu Agabi, SAN, former Attorney General and Minister of Justice; 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 honor. He urged the government to create policies that encourage investment and development rather than restricting progress.
The university also celebrated the graduation of 8,444 students, including 177 first-class degree holders, 3,466 second-class upper, 3,715 second-class lower, 831 third-class, and two pass degrees. Additionally, postgraduate degrees were awarded to 38 Ph.D. holders, 211 MSc/MBA graduates, and four PGD recipients.
