The Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Lokoja, Kogi State in north central Nigeria, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi, has commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on increased funding of Universities in Nigeria since assumption of office.
Speaking in Lokoja at the 8th Convocation of the University, Professor Akinwumi, said President Tinubu has not only prioritized education, but increased university funding to Nigerian Universities, including federal university Lokoja, as the Tinubu administration has increased access to tertiary education, with the introduction of the student loan scheme for students in tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
“We sincerely appreciate the support Tinubu administration continues to provide to higher education and Federal University Lokoja in particular.
“The funding challenges facing Nigerian universities have become increasingly pronounced in recent years. While the Federal Government remains Committed to supporting higher education, the growing number of public universities, coupled with competing demands on national resources, has made it increasingly , difficult for the government alone to adequately fund all the needs of our institutions is for this reason that we have established the Federal University Lokoja Endowment Fund.”
The Vice said the National Universities Commission (NUC) has also approved the full-time mode of eight academic programmes to be run at the Federal Polytechnic, Auchi, Edo State, in affiliation with federal university Lokoja.
“This year, over 17,000 candidates chose FUL as their first choice, with more than 11,000 scoring 160 and above in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and participating in our Post-UTME Screening exercise. We plan to admit 9,000 students into these programs, and I am thrilled to announce that the new academic session is scheduled to commence on November 10, 2024.
“We have signed a collaborative agreement with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) under the Energizing Education Programme (EEP). This initiative will provide reliable power to our university through renewable energy solutions, including campus-wide street lighting and the establishment of renewable energy training centers.
“This partnership will not only ensure a sustainable energy future for our university but also enhance our research and training.”
Centre for Distance and E-learning and Institute of Gender Studies
The VC said the University has established the Centre for Distance and E-learning as part of efforts to promote flexible learning through the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
According to the Vice Chancellor, the centre was unveiled by Professor Som Naidu, Principal Associate at Technology, Education & Design Associates in Melbourne, Australia. Akinwumi said the establishment of the centre signifies the University’s commitment to adaptation to modern educational needs and providing diverse learning pathways for its students.
On the establishment of the Institute of Gender Studies by the University Management to prevent sexual misconduct and to promote gender equality, the VC noted that, “the initiative reflects our dedication to fostering a safe and inclusive academic environment for all members of our university community.”
On the University’s participation in the 2024 All-Africa University Games, he said; “Earlier this year, our university participated in the 2024 All-Africa University Games, a highly competitive event that showcases the best of student athletes from across the continent.
“Our students made us immensely proud by securing three bronze medals in various sports disciplines, an incredible achievement that placed Federal University Lokoja on the medal table. Their performance was not just a testament to their sporting prowess but also to the values of resilience, teamwork, and determination that our university upholds.
” In recognition of this remarkable accomplishment, the Management of the university awarded the athletes scholarships and financial rewards. This is our way of encouraging and nurturing their talents as well as promoting a culture of excellence in sports alongside academics. We applaud these brilliant students for flying the university’s flag high and making us all proud,” Akinwumi said.
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