No More Money Excuses? FG Says Tinubu Has Opened University Doors to Every Qualified Nigerian
By: Oluwaseun M. Lawal
For years, the story was the same. A bright student. Big dreams. Empty pockets. And then — no university.
But the Federal Government says that story is changing.
Speaking during a meeting with members of the National Committee for the Advancement of Occupational Therapy, Audiology and Speech and Language Therapy Education, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said finances should no longer stand between a qualified Nigerian and a university degree. Not anymore.
According to him, President Bola Tinubu’s administration has rolled out reforms designed to make sure poverty does not shut the classroom door on capable students. In simple terms: if you qualify, you should be able to go.
Alausa explained that the government has poured over ₦1 trillion into tertiary institutions within two years. That’s a huge number. Hostels are being built — about ₦250 billion worth. Another ₦150 billion is going into fixing old hostels, classrooms and workshops that have seen better days.
Medical education hasn’t been left out. More than ₦130 billion has gone into upgrading medical schools and expanding their training capacity. There’s also ₦52 billion for modern equipment in 18 medical schools, plus nearly ₦30 billion to set up 11 simulation labs. Future doctors, he said, need hands-on training. Not just theory.
Engineering schools are also getting attention, with almost ₦110 billion committed to new and improved workshops and equipment across federal universities and polytechnics.
The minister described these efforts as one of the biggest investments the sector has seen in years. The goal? Better facilities. Better skills. Graduates who can actually build things, fix things, innovate.
Earlier, Dr. Victoria Omua Amu, who chairs the national committee on Occupational Therapy, Audiology and Speech and Language Therapy Education, gave updates on their progress. Currently, six universities offer Audiology, five run Occupational Therapy programmes, and three teach Speech and Language Therapy. The University of Benin is expected to join the list with an Occupational Therapy programme by 2026/2027.
Still, not everything is smooth. Amu pointed out delays in TETFund releases, which she said is slowing down some of their plans.
Big promises have been made. Massive funds announced. Now many Nigerians will be watching closely — to see if the changes truly reach the students who need them most.
Oluwaseun Musa Lawal is an Editor at REPORTERS ROOM with over eight years of professional journalism experience. He specializes in reporting on politics, climate change, health, and education, while also covering security, economic, and judicial affairs. His work is driven by a commitment to accuracy, balanced reporting, and public-interest journalism.
