The Chief of Staff to the President and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, has called for innovative and sustainable funding models to support Nigeria’s over 130 public universities.
Gbajabiamila made the call in his keynote address on the theme, “Interrogating the Funding of Education: Global Versus Nigerian Perspectives”, at the maiden Annual Lecture of Osun State University, held at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Auditorium in Osogbo,Osun State.
While highlighting the challenge of funding a higher education system that receives nearly two million applicants annually, Mr. Gbajabiamila emphasized the urgency of seeking alternative revenue sources to ensure long-term viability.
Gbajabiamila also lauded the federal government’s recently introduced student loan scheme, describing it as a positive step toward equitable access to education, and reaffirmed the vital role of public service in strengthening democracy.
Welcoming the Chief of Staff to the state, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, praised UNIOSUN for its rapid development and strategic impact on the state’s educational and economic landscape.
The Governor commended the university’s leadership, its Governing Council chaired by Professor Wale Oladipo and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Clement Adebooye, for transforming the institution into a national model of excellence.
Governor Adeleke also celebrated the state’s educational progress, citing a significant leap in national examination rankings, from 33rd in 2022 to 7th place in the most recent report.
He reiterated his administration’s continued commitment to supporting UNIOSUN and thanked Mr. Gbajabiamila for accepting the university’s invitation.
The Vice-Chancellor, UNIOSUN, Professor Adebooye, in his remarks, expressed appreciation to the Chief of Staff for his insightful contribution to the national dialogue on education funding.
He also acknowledged Governor Adeleke’s support for the institution, particularly in advancing infrastructure and academic development.
The event concluded with a guided tour of university facilities by dignitaries, among the attendees were senior state officials, members of the Osun State House of Assembly, academic leaders, and other stakeholders.
