President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian universities to provide evidence-based advice and innovative solutions to the country’s pressing challenges, including insecurity, food insecurity, climate change and technology lag.
Tinubu made the call on Saturday at the 55th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where he was represented by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Edoba Omoregie.
Delivering the Visitor’s address, the President said academic research must move beyond university library shelves into industries where it can directly shape developmental priorities and economic transformation.
“While the government is doing its part, I challenge Nigerian universities to live up to their calling. Our country is facing numerous challenges—insecurity, food insecurity, climate change, technology lag, among others. We are looking up to the universities to provide evidence-based advice and innovative solutions to these problems.
“Research outputs from our universities should move from the shelves to industries where they are needed, and should translate into policies that shape our developmental priorities,” Tinubu said.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to education as the most strategic investment for national growth, Tinubu highlighted ongoing interventions through the Nigerian Educational Loan Fund and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund aimed at ensuring higher education remains accessible and infrastructure-ready.
“Our goal is to ensure that our higher institutions produce graduates who are not only employable but are also capable of creating employment and driving economic transformation,” the President said.
He urged graduands to embrace the future with optimism despite current economic challenges.
Tinubu said the graduands certificates represented a call to national service, saying, “Nigeria needs your knowledge, creativity, courage, and integrity. The future of our country will be shaped not only by government but also by young men and women like you who are prepared to solve problems, create jobs, build industries, and strengthen our democracy.”
Earlier, the Chancellor of the university and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, commended the institution’s leadership for its commitment to repositioning the university for global relevance and urged the graduands to remain adaptable in a rapidly changing world.
“The enduring strength of this University lies in its ability to continually reinvent itself to meet contemporary challenges,” he said.
Addressing the graduands, Ooni said, “Your certificates are symbols of academic accomplishment, but your true worth will ultimately be measured by your character, integrity, and the impact you make in society.
“The world you are entering is changing rapidly. Artificial intelligence, digital technologies, climate change, global economic uncertainties, and evolving labour markets demand graduates who are adaptable, innovative, and lifelong learners.”
In his address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof Adegboyega Karim, highlighted the council’s determination to drive institutional reforms and called on external stakeholders to complement government funding efforts.
“Within the last eleven months, the University of Nigeria has recorded significant achievements in academic development, infrastructure transformation, research, international collaborations, digital transformation, and institutional reforms. These achievements demonstrate what visionary leadership, dedication, and teamwork can accomplish,” Karim said.
The Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Prof Simon Ortuanya, announced the conferment of 2,994 higher degrees, comprising 1,390 Doctor of Philosophy degrees, 1,340 Master’s degrees and 214 Postgraduate Diplomas.
The university also conferred honorary doctorate degrees on the First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu (Doctor of Public Administration); High Chief Williams Agbo (Doctor of Business Administration); Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson (Doctor of Social Work); and Arc. Kaycee-Kelechi Orji (Doctor of Business Administration).
The title of Professor Emeritus was also conferred on Prof Peter-Jazzy Eze and Prof Boniface Okere.
Credit: punchng.com
