In a move that has sparked massive jubilation across Ebonyi State, Governor Francis Nwifuru has announced a significant reduction in tuition fees at Ebonyi State University by 10 per cent. This announcement came during the combined convocation ceremony of the university, held on Saturday, where the governor also revealed a substantial increase in the salaries of both academic and non-academic staff of the institution by 20 and 10 per cent, respectively.
According to a statement released by the governor's spokesperson, Monday Uzor, the reduction in tuition fees and salary increment is part of the government's commitment to enhancing access to quality education and improving the welfare of civil servants in the state.
In addition to these measures, Governor Nwifuru declared that indigenes of Ebonyi State who graduate with first-class degrees will be offered automatic employment as graduate assistant lecturers at the university. However, it remains unclear whether similar opportunities will be extended to indigenes graduating from other institutions.
Furthermore, the governor announced a significant increase in the subvention allocated to the university, raising it from N200 million to N280 million monthly. This increase is aimed at boosting the morale of university staff and expanding access to education within the state.
Speaking at the convocation ceremony, Governor Nwifuru emphasized the importance of using locally developed solutions to address the challenges facing the state and the nation as a whole. He urged the graduating students to deploy the knowledge and skills acquired during their time at the university to tackle pressing issues in the country.
"You have acquired skills to keep you afloat, not to sink. Having undergone intellectual rigors, you are now equipped with survival skills and ready to solve the problems in the country. May I urge you to be good progressive ambassadors," Governor Nwifuru said.
The announcement has been met with widespread praise and excitement from students, university staff, and civil servants across Ebonyi State, who see it as a positive step towards improving the quality of education and the standard of living in the state.
