Letter sent to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
_Lagos, Monday, December 18, 2023_
His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Aso Rock Villa
Asokoro, Abuja
Your Excellency,
Commendation on Recent Policies in the Higher Education Sector
The PBAT group has watched closely some of your bold steps in the education sector to confront some intractable challenges, particularly in the higher education sub-sector in the last few months. Of interest to us are:
The resuscitation of Education Loan for students. We are confident that with the establishment of the Education Loan Bank or Board, students – particularly the needy and poor – will have access to the much-needed fund to finance their tertiary education. It will assist the public universities and other higher institutions to charge fees commensurate with quality education and also help the institutions’ financial base to discharge their responsibilities.
Removal of higher institutions from IPPIS. IPPIS negatively impacted the performance and growth of universities. With the abrogation of the policy, staff that go on sabbaticals can find avenues for collaborative research and lectureship in sister universities. Universities too can promptly attend to the needs of staff and students which need urgent attention, without sacrificing transparency. This will have a salutary effect on the evolving university autonomy plans.
The decision to pay ASUU members part of the outstanding salary arrears occasioned by the last unfortunate prolonged ASUU strike. This will motivate the lecturers to double their efforts in lectureship and research, and also bring succor to their families.
Furthermore, we wish to appeal that although the 4 months arrears of the withheld salaries have not been paid despite having been approved for payment by Mr. President, it may be politically expedient to direct the Governing Council of the respective public universities to pay the remaining 4 months now that they are off the controversial IPPIS. *It will be a gift laden with massive goodwill for us your diehard academics.*
We assure Your Excellency of our continuous support and relentless efforts as a hub of conscientious, patriotic Nigerian intellectuals and professionals volunteering time, skills, and intellects toward actualizing your 8-point Renewed Hope Agenda and a Nigeria of endless possibilities under your leadership.
Sincerely,
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Prof Yemi Oke, PhD, FCTI, FCIArb
National Coordinator/Convener
Prof Olusegun Awonusi
Chairman, Education and Training Cluster
