October 7 (THEWILL) – President Muhammadu Buhari, on Friday, told the tertiary institution-based unions, including the Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU), that the Federal Government would not sign any agreement that it cannot implement.
The President made this position known in his last budget speech at the Joint Session of the National Assembly in Abuja.
His comment comes on the backdrop of the lingering strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) which is pushing for more funding of tertiary institutions among other demands.
The Federal Government, which is in a legal tussle with the union, argued that it is constrained by limited resources, a position President Buhari re-echoed during his speech.
He, however, said the government remained committed to the implementation of agreements reached with staff unions within available resources.
President Buhari said the government alone cannot fund tertiary education in the country, noting that a “more sustainable model of funding tertiary education” is required.
He said, “The government notes with dismay the crisis that has paralysed activities in the public universities in the country. We expect the staff of these institutions to show a better appreciation of the current state of affairs in the country.
“In the determined effort to resolve the issue, we have provided a total of 470.0 billion in the 2023 budget from our constrained resources, for revitalization and salary enhancements in the tertiary institutions.
“Distinguished Senators and Honourable members, it is instructive to note that today the Government alone cannot provide the resources required for funding tertiary education.
“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 more sustainable model of funding tertiary education.
“The government remains committed to the implementation of agreements reached with staff unions within available resources. This is why we have remained resolute that we will not sign any agreement that we would be unable to implement. Individual institutions would be encouraged to keep faith with any agreement reached in due course to ensure stability in the educational sector.
“Government is equally committed to improving the quality of education at other levels. Recently, we implemented various incentives aimed at motivating and enhancing teachers’ development in our schools.
“In the health sector, the government intends to focus attention on equipping existing hospitals and rehabilitating infrastructure. Emphasis will also be on local production of basic medicines/vaccines.
“As human capital is the most critical resource for national development, our overall policy thrust is to expand our investment in education, health and social protection.”
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