The Forum of Governing Council Members in Nigeria Tertiary Institutions (FOGOCOM) has commended President Bola Tinubu for his unprecedented support for the country’s tertiary education sector under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

FOGOCOM made this known on Saturday during a national press conference in Abuja by the forum’s Chairman, Chief (Dr.) Akin-Thomas Babajide, who said the reason for the commendation was based on the Federal Government’s reforms and interventions in higher education.

Addressing journalists, Babajide said members of governing councils across federal tertiary institutions had witnessed significant improvements in institutional governance, infrastructure development, research support, staff welfare and student-focused programmes since the inception of the Tinubu administration.

“As the 2027 General Elections approach, we call on all Nigerians to continue supporting the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu in order to sustain and consolidate the gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

The forum noted that one of the administration’s major achievements in the education sector was the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which it said has expanded access to higher education by providing interest-free loans to students.

According to FOGOCOM, more than 1.38 million students have benefited from the scheme, while over N242 billion has been disbursed for tuition fees and student upkeep allowances.

The group said the initiative had reduced financial barriers to tertiary education and enabled many students who might otherwise have dropped out of school to continue their studies.

FOGOCOM also highlighted government interventions aimed at strengthening tertiary institutions through infrastructure development, research funding, staff development and capacity-building programmes.

The forum commended the Federal Government for restoring and strengthening governing councils, describing them as critical drivers of institutional governance, accountability and policy implementation.

It further praised President Tinubu for reviewing and enhancing the allowances of governing council members, saying the move had improved the ability of councils to effectively discharge their responsibilities.

“We also express our profound appreciation to Mr. President for the review and enhancement of the allowances of Governing Council Members. This gesture demonstrates his commitment to strengthening institutional governance,” the forum stated.

Among other achievements cited by the group was the deployment of N110 billion through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) High Impact Intervention Project for the rehabilitation and modernisation of medical schools across 18 federal and state universities.

The forum noted that N70 billion of the intervention was specifically earmarked for physical infrastructure rehabilitation, describing the initiative as a response to the country’s shortage of medical personnel.

It also referenced the Energising Education Project (EEP), under which 24 federal tertiary institutions have been connected to solar hybrid power systems, with an additional eight universities scheduled to benefit under the fourth phase of the programme.

FOGOCOM said the reforms demonstrated the administration’s commitment to making education a national priority and strengthening human capital development.

The forum pledged its continued support for government policies aimed at advancing tertiary education and expressed readiness to mobilise support for the continuation of the Renewed Hope Agenda ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We remain committed to mobilising support for the continuation of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which is laying a solid foundation for national development, economic growth, educational advancement and improved governance,” Babajide said.

The group, however, appealed to the Federal Government to extend the tenure of governing councils in polytechnics and colleges of education from the current three years to four years.

According to the forum, a longer tenure would provide greater stability, policy continuity and sufficient time for councils to implement reforms and complete ongoing projects.

FOGOCOM also urged Nigerians and stakeholders in the education sector to support ongoing reforms, stressing that the future of the country depends on the quality of education available to its citizens. (Saturday Tribune)

Update news