By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) — The Forum of Governing Council Members in Nigeria Tertiary Institutions (FOGOCOM) has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for what it described as unprecedented support for Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, citing major interventions in student financing, institutional development, infrastructure, research, and governance under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Speaking at a national press conference in Abuja on Saturday, FOGOCOM said the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and other specialised institutions has significantly improved the capacity of the sector to deliver quality education and contribute to national development.
The forum began the event with a minute of silence in honour of Nigerians who have lost their lives to insurgency, terrorism, banditry and other forms of insecurity, while also offering prayers for those still being held captive and for the success of security agencies in securing their release.
Addressing journalists and stakeholders, FOGOCOM said education remains the foundation of national growth and economic transformation, stressing that the Tinubu administration has demonstrated a renewed commitment to making tertiary education a national priority.
According to the forum, the Federal Government has expanded investments in infrastructure development, staff welfare, institutional stability, research advancement and student support programmes across tertiary institutions nationwide.
FOGOCOM particularly praised the administration for strengthening the role of Governing Councils, describing them as critical drivers of accountability, institutional governance, policy implementation and sustainable development.
“The restoration and strengthening of Governing Councils have contributed significantly to improved decision-making processes and institutional effectiveness,” the forum stated.
Highlighting achievements recorded under the Renewed Hope Agenda, FOGOCOM pointed to the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which provides interest-free loans to students in tertiary institutions.
The forum disclosed that more than 1.38 million students have benefited from the scheme, while over ₦242 billion has been disbursed for tuition fees and student upkeep allowances.
It noted that the initiative has helped remove financial barriers to higher education, enabling thousands of students from low-income backgrounds to remain in school and complete their studies.
FOGOCOM also commended the administration’s efforts toward strengthening tertiary institutions through interventions in infrastructure development, research funding, staff training and institutional capacity building.
The forum further highlighted the deployment of ₦110 billion through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) High Impact Intervention Project to rehabilitate and modernise medical schools across 18 federal and state universities. Of the amount, ₦70 billion has been earmarked specifically for physical rehabilitation works aimed at addressing challenges in medical education and reducing the country’s shortage of healthcare professionals.
In addition, the forum cited progress under the Energising Education Project (EEP), which has seen 24 federal tertiary institutions transition to solar hybrid power systems, while eight additional universities have been enlisted for the fourth phase of the programme.
FOGOCOM said these interventions underscore the administration’s commitment to human capital development by improving access, affordability and quality of education.
The forum called on Nigerians to support ongoing reforms in the education sector, noting that building strong institutions requires collective responsibility and collaboration among government, stakeholders and citizens.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, FOGOCOM urged Nigerians to continue supporting President Tinubu’s administration to sustain and consolidate the gains of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The forum also expressed appreciation to the President for the review and enhancement of allowances for Governing Council members, describing the move as a demonstration of his commitment to strengthening institutional governance and improving the effectiveness of Governing Councils.
“We wish to assure Mr. President of our unwavering support and loyalty as he continues to provide purposeful leadership for the nation,” the forum stated.
FOGOCOM, however, appealed to the Federal Government to review the tenure of Governing Councils of polytechnics and colleges of education from the current three years to four years, arguing that a longer tenure would provide greater stability, continuity and adequate time for councils to implement policies and complete ongoing reforms.
The forum expressed optimism that the Renewed Hope Agenda would continue to deliver meaningful outcomes for students, academic staff and institutions across the country, while contributing to national development and economic growth.
The press conference was signed by Chief (Dr.) Akin-Thomas Babajide on behalf of the Forum of Governing Council Members in Nigeria Tertiary Institutions (FOGOCOM).
