Uzodinma Encourages Governors to Prioritize Education in 2025 Budget – National Accord Newspaper

Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, has urged governors across the country to prioritize education in their budgets and create investment policies in universities. Gov. Uzodimma stated this at the maiden convocation lecture of Federal University of Birnin Kebbi (FUBK), in Birnin Kebbi on Friday. Sen. Uzodimma expressed that the future of Nigeria is contingent on the strength of its educational system. This means that they can not overlook the importance of education in their decision making. The governor advised colleagues to increase funding for education and craft investment policies that will promote innovation at universities. He also encouraged private investors to collaborate with universities in terms of research and workforce preparation instead of viewing them as just mere charity cases. According to the governor, sustainable funding is indispensable for public universities. That is because it will allow universities to maintain infrastructures and ensure relevant, skilled graduates with the capacity to drive innovation. Further, the governor said strong leadership and a shared vision among all stakeholders of the education sector will enable higher educational institutions to become engines of economic growth. Notably, the governor added a crucial step to ensure institutions get sustainable funding, which is the need for universities to diversify their sources of funding. The former INEC Boss, Prof. Attairu Jega, lauded Governor Uzodimma’s lecture, noting that state budgets for education should ideally be 40% rather than the current 13% -15%. This is because decrepit infrastructures are increasingly jeopardizing the standard of educational system in Nigeria. The Vice-chancellor of FUBK, Prof. Muhammad Zaiyan-Umar, thanked the attendees present at the lecture, noting how since its inception the Federal University of Birnin Kebbi has grown from three faculties to many with about 13 different departments. The lecture also included notable attendees like Chancellor of FUBK, Eze Clatus-Ikeckukwu, the Obi of Obinugu, Alhaji Sa’adu Dakingari, and Alhaji Ali Abubakar-Jato. In conclusion, Governor Uzodimma stressed on increasing funding for education, a strategic investment policy, and the need to empower educational institutions to achieve this funding sustainability. How can investment in education help to overcome its current challenges? Do you feel this is achievable based on the current funding structures within Nigeria? Share your comments in our comments section below.