President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the uninterrupted academic calendar in Nigeria’s public universities and the absence of prolonged Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strikes since he assumed office as “an answer to my prayers.”
Speaking on Tuesday while receiving members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu said one of the measurable achievements of his administration is that university students are now completing their programmes within the expected timeframe.
‘A Four-Year Course Is Now Four Years’
The President told the bishops that prolonged disruptions to academic activities had reduced significantly under his administration.
According to Tinubu:
“None of your children in university today… can say a four-year course is not four years. ASUU is not on strike. They are not bringing agony to your homes. Is that not an answer to our prayers? To me, that’s an answer.”
Tinubu Highlights Education Reforms
Tinubu acknowledged that Nigerians had endured economic hardship but argued that his administration had stabilised the country and was beginning to deliver tangible improvements.
He also pointed to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the sustained academic calendar as part of broader efforts to improve access to higher education and reduce the burden on students and parents.
Remarks Made During Meeting With Catholic Bishops
The President made the comments during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.
The meeting also focused on national security, economic reforms, education and governance, with Tinubu expressing optimism that Nigeria was moving toward greater stability and prosperity.