The Forum of Governing Council Members in Nigeria Tertiary Institutions (FOGOCOM) has commended the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as unprecedented support for the country’s tertiary education sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at a national press conference in Abuja on Saturday, FOGOCOM National President, Akin-Thomas Babajide, said the Federal Government’s interventions have strengthened tertiary institutions, improved governance, expanded access to higher education, and enhanced student welfare across the country.
Babajide noted that the administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to educational development through strategic investments in infrastructure, research, staff development, institutional capacity building, and governance reforms.
He identified the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as one of the administration’s most transformative initiatives, revealing that more than 1.38 million students have benefited from the interest-free loan scheme, with over ₦242 billion disbursed for tuition and upkeep allowances.
According to him, the programme has significantly reduced financial barriers to higher education, enabling thousands of students to remain in school and complete their studies despite economic challenges.
The FOGOCOM president also praised sustained government support for tertiary institutions through investments in infrastructure development, research funding, digital transformation, and institutional strengthening, describing education as a central pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He further highlighted the Federal Government’s intervention in medical education through the ₦110 billion TETFund High Impact Intervention Project, designed to rehabilitate and modernise medical schools in 18 federal and state universities. Of the amount, ₦70 billion has been earmarked for physical infrastructure rehabilitation to help address healthcare workforce shortages and curb the migration of medical professionals.
Babajide equally lauded the Energising Education Project (EEP), noting that 24 federal tertiary institutions have successfully transitioned to solar-hybrid power systems, while eight additional universities have been included in the fourth phase of the initiative.
The forum expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for strengthening the role of Governing Councils and approving enhanced allowances for council members, describing the move as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to institutional governance, accountability, and stability.
“As members of Governing Councils, we have witnessed firsthand the positive impact of these interventions. They have fostered institutional stability, encouraged long-term planning, and strengthened governance across our tertiary institutions,” Babajide said.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, FOGOCOM urged Nigerians to continue supporting policies and programmes that promote educational advancement, economic growth, and national development.
The forum also appealed to the Federal Government to extend the tenure of Governing Councils of Polytechnics and Colleges of Education from three years to four years, arguing that a longer tenure would provide greater continuity, stability, and adequate time for councils to implement reforms and achieve institutional goals.
Reaffirming its commitment to advancing tertiary education, FOGOCOM expressed optimism that the Renewed Hope Agenda would continue to deliver positive outcomes for students, academic staff, and institutions nationwide, while calling on stakeholders to support ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s education sector.
