Tinubu Pushes For Dialogue Over Strikes For Universities

President Bola Tinubu has urged universities to settle disputes through talks rather than strikes, saying steady dialogue keeps campuses calm and productive.

He delivered the message during the 49th convocation ceremony of Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile Ife.

The address came at the graduation event where thousands of students received degrees. Tinubu spoke through Prof Kabir Bala, a former vice chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, who represented him at the ceremony.

He said his government is opening more space for cooperation among the federal government, university authorities, and industry players. According to him, such cooperation helps resolve disagreements early and keeps academic activities running without disruption.

Tinubu added that work is ongoing to review salaries and working conditions of university staff to match present economic realities. He said mutual respect and steady engagement remain the safest way to achieve lasting peace in tertiary institutions.

The president also restated his administration’s focus on education reform, improved facilities, and wider access to learning. He pointed to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as part of efforts to ensure students from different backgrounds can afford higher education.

Earlier, OAU Vice Chancellor Prof Simeon Bamire announced that 6,526 students graduated at the convocation. The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, also contributed through a lecture delivered on his behalf, calling for leadership training to be strengthened within the university system.