Nigeria: House Deputy Speaker Scores Tinubu High in Education Sector
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, recently expressed high praise for President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing efforts in revolutionizing the Nigerian educational sector. These commendations were made during the 37th Convocation Ceremony and 50th Anniversary of the University of Calabar. At the event, Kalu returned to his alma mater not just as an alumnus but as a keynote speaker, addressing the topic: “Our Gown in Town and in Cyberspace: Sustainable and Human-Centred Education, The Mandate of Our Universities, 2025-2075.”
The Deputy Speaker’s acknowledgment of the President’s work in education was grounded not in political bias but in the substantial improvements seen under the current administration. In comparison to the previous administration’s educational budget of over N1 trillion in 2023, Tinubu’s government has increased funding to N2.52 trillion, setting a promising stage for even higher quality education.
This significant increase in funding is poised to enhance both the infrastructure and the welfare of educational personnel across Nigeria. One of the notable impacts of this revolution is the stability in industrial relations, with frequent strikes in universities becoming increasingly rare.
Within the scope of funding, students have not been sidelined. The enactment of the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act provides interest-free loans, repayable post-employment, with attention to disadvantaged groups, thus ensuring fair opportunities for capable students. Kalu noted the success of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which disbursed N23 billion to 94,000 students in 2023.
Emphasizing domestic investment in education, Hon. Kalu mentioned the withdrawal of external funding sources, such as those previously provided by USAID, underscoring the importance of sustainable educational financing.
“The withdrawal of USAID funding underlines our need for domestic investments,” Kalu said. “By prioritizing education and investing in youth, we can achieve the vision of a brighter future under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.”
He also called for a reevaluation of quota systems in higher education, suggesting a shift from geographically based quotas to those that prioritize gender parity. This change aims to empower more women, encouraging them to take up leadership roles in governance and other critical areas.
Kalu addressed universities directly regarding the justification of received funding, urging them to ensure a tangible return on investments. The academic world, he insisted, must connect with the real world, emphasizing practical impact over theoretical excellence.
“The true measure of education lies in its tangible impact,” he asserted. “Our universities must bridge the gap between theory and practical application, thus extending their influence from the ivory towers to real-world problems.”
In advocating for a transformative vision for the educational landscape, Kalu proposed the Triple Helix model, which involves a collaborative approach between universities, industries, and government. He suggested establishing collaborative hubs for innovation, reforming curricula in partnership with industry leaders, offering financial incentives for innovation, and applying data-driven accountability to monitor progress.
Kalu concluded by asserting that the Triple Helix model is not just an academic proposal but a realistic, actionable strategy that could drive innovation and economic advancement in Nigeria. Through strategic partnerships, universities can be transformed into dynamic engines of progress, significantly benefitting both communities and the nation as a whole.
