No fewer than 5,000 professors and senior academics from over 130 tertiary institutions are to converge on Eagle Square, Abuja, in November to endorse President Bola Tinubu for re-election in 2027.
The declaration is being organised under aegis of Progressives in Academics (Pro-Acad) and led by its convener, Prof. Bolarinwa Bolaji.
Bolaji disclosed this at a pre-declaration briefing in Abuja on Monday, saying move is to mobilise support for continuity of Tinubu administration beyond 2027.
He said academic community has witnessed steady progress under Tinubu, including improved welfare of academic staff, return of institutional autonomy and reforms to revitalise education sector.
“For decades, Nigerian academic system suffered poor remuneration, infrastructural decay and policy inconsistency. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, that narrative has changed. Salaries and welfare of academic staff have recorded steady growth, with over 100 per cent increase compared to past, restoring dignity, motivation and productivity,” he said.
He listed removal of tertiary institutions from Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS), settlement of outstanding earned allowances, operationalisation of Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), increased funding for Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and other interventions as achievements.
According to him, NELFUND has benefited over 500,000 students, while reforms have boosted confidence among academics.
“President Tinubu has returned autonomy and respect to the Ivory Tower. This is why progressive academics have resolved to speak with one voice. Eagle Square Declaration is our political contribution to ensure Renewed Hope Agenda is not truncated, but consolidated beyond 2027,” Bolaji added.
He said official document to be presented at event will be titled “Academic Declaration for Continuity and Renewed Hope 2027,” containing assessment of administration, key achievements in education and resolution to support continuity.
He said mobilisation is ongoing across universities, polytechnics and colleges of education, describing expected gathering as largest assembly of academics for political cause in Nigeria’s democratic history.
