Tinubu: No Child Should Miss Quality Education Because Of Money

According to Ireporter Online, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasized that no nation can achieve sustainable development without making deliberate investments in its youth. The President, represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id-Ahmad, made the remarks on Sunday during the 34th Convocation Ceremony and 43rd Founders Day of the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, in Niger State.

Tinubu stressed that Nigerians should not be denied access to quality education due to financial limitations, highlighting education as a cornerstone of national progress. He noted that his administration continues to enhance educational access through targeted infrastructure investments and the implementation of a student loan scheme. The President also commended FUT Minna for its 43-year contribution to national development, recognizing the university as a centre of excellence in science, engineering, innovation, and applied research.

Speaking at the event, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Farouk Kuta described the convocation as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and dedication of the FUT Minna community. He noted that the university had achieved significant milestones, ranking as the seventh best university in Nigeria, the highest-ranked specialised university nationally, and 68th in Africa. Prof. Kuta highlighted strategic expansions aimed at addressing societal challenges, particularly in training healthcare professionals and medical technologists, while reaffirming the institution’s commitment to staff welfare and merit.

He further detailed that 146 senior non-teaching staff and 110 junior staff were promoted, and 22 appointments were confirmed. Infrastructure developments, including renovations of the school clinic and sports complex, were also completed. Prof. Kuta encouraged graduates to view the convocation as a transition from learning to service, urging them to contribute solutions within their respective fields.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Mohammed Santuraki, praised President Tinubu’s reforms as steps toward steady national growth. He also acknowledged Niger State Governor Umar Bago for donating ₦100 million towards the construction of a female hostel for medical students and lauded the Vice-Chancellor for prudent resource management.

The overall best graduating student, Koter Oluwadamilola from the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, described her achievement as a reflection of perseverance, faith, and unity. During the 2024/2025 academic session, FUT Minna graduated a total of 5,297 students.