President Muhammadu Buhari has said his administration will not sign any agreement it would be unable to implement.

Buhari said this on Friday during the presentation of a budget of N20.5 trillion to a joint session of the National Assembly for the 2023 fiscal year.

The President, who stated that the government alone cannot provide the resources required for funding tertiary education, said his administration remains committed to the implementation of agreements reached with staff unions within available resources.

He said: “In most countries, the cost of education is jointly shared between the government and the people, especially at the tertiary level. It is imperative therefore that we introduce a more sustainable model of funding tertiary education.

“The government remains committed to the implementation of agreements reached with staff unions within available resources. This is why we have remained resolute that we will not sign any agreement that we would be unable to implement. Individual institutions would be encouraged to keep faith with any agreement reached in due course to ensure stability in the educational sector.

READ ALSO: Buhari presents N20.5trn 2023 budget to NASS

“Government is equally committed to improving the quality of education at other levels. Recently, we implemented various incentives aimed at motivating and enhancing teachers’ development in our schools,” President Buhari stated.

Speaking on the health sector, Buhari said his administration intends to focus attention on equipping existing hospitals and rehabilitating infrastructure, noting that emphasis will also be on local production of basic medicines/vaccines.

“As human capital is the most critical resource for national development, our overall policy thrust is to expand our investment in education, health, and social protection,” the President added.

On insecurity challenges bewildering the country, President Buhari said his government remains committed to the security of life, property, and investment across the country, adding that defence and internal security will continue to be accorded top priority in 2023.

“Current efforts to properly equip and motivate our valiant personnel in the armed forces, police, and paramilitary units will be sustained.

“I assure you, insecurity, especially banditry and kidnapping, will be significantly curtailed before the end of this administration. We will redouble our efforts to ensure we leave a legacy of a peaceful, prosperous, and secured nation,” he said.

Buhari, therefore, expressed his appreciation to the leadership of the National Assembly for “your enormous support, patriotic zeal, and cooperation in our efforts to accelerate the socio-economic development of our country and improve the lives of our people.”

The Star