“Furthermore as part of efforts to sustain this, we have effected the payment of four months of the previously withheld salaries of academic staff of universities.
“I have also directed the payment of the withheld salaries of the non-teaching staff of the universities. This was purposely done to show the magnanimity of the present administration, despite the activation of the principle of the ‘no work no pay’ rule.
“In addition, the Federal Government has also directed that the payment of salaries of university staff members be removed from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) forthwith.
“This is in response to the consistent pleas of the university trade unions. We will ensure that this removal is effected without further delay,” Tinubu said.
He spoke on student loans to tertiary institutions to cushion the effects of the current economic situation.
“Students of the University of Ilorin are not left out among the beneficiaries of this loan scheme.
“I am happy to inform you that the Nigerian Education Loans Fund (NELFUND) has come to stay to provide opportunities and access for students to learn with ease and pay back later.
“I, therefore, urge every student to take advantage of this privilege to better their lots,” he said.
Tinubu, however, urged the graduating students to join hands with other members of the society to solve the economic and security challenges facing the country.
In his address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the university, Abiodun Aluko, promised to sustain the mission of the institution.
Aluko, a former Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, said the council would introduce and promote innovative ideas that would take the university to greater heights.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Wahab Egbewole (SAN), noted that UNILORIN had produced notable Nigerians who are contributing immensely to national development.
He encouraged the graduates to keep learning, unlearning, and relearning, as their education was a foundation for future global competition.
12,042 graduates received certificates and diplomas at the 39th convocation of the University of Ilorin held in the University between Monday and Tuesday, October 21st and 22nd, 2024 out of which 256 First Class, 3,842 Second Class (Upper Division), 6,178 Second Class (Lower Division), 1,299 Third Class and 62 Pass.
“The 39th Convocation Ceremonies also include 124 MBBS graduands, 64 Nursing graduands, 35 Optometry graduands, 30 Veterinary Medicine graduands, 18 graduands with Distinction and 85 graduands with Pass in Pharmacy, one distinction and 32 Pass in Physiotherapy.
“We have a total of 16 Diploma degree holders. Furthermore, the total number of higher degrees to be awarded at the 39th convocation ceremonies is 1,875; out of this figure, there are 92 Postgraduate Diplomas, 1,280 Masters from various faculties, 179 Professional Masters, 1 MPhil and 323 PhDs,” he said.