President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian universities to offer research-backed strategies to tackle the nation’s most pressing problems. Speaking at the 55th convocation of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), the President highlighted climate change, food shortages, technological gaps, and insecurity as primary concerns requiring academic intervention.
Represented by Professor Edoba Omoregie, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, President Tinubu emphasized that his administration is committed to making tertiary education accessible. He pointed to the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as a vital tool for ensuring that financial status does not prevent qualified students from pursuing their studies. Furthermore, the President pledged continued government support for infrastructure, staff welfare, and curriculum updates through TETFund.
Tinubu urged academic institutions to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical application, ensuring that scientific outputs are utilized by industries to drive economic growth. He also noted that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is undergoing reforms to emphasize entrepreneurship and technology.
During the event, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, praised the government’s backing of public universities. UNN Vice Chancellor, Professor Simon Ortuanya, highlighted the institution’s ongoing focus on research excellence and international collaborations. The ceremony concluded with the graduation of 2,994 postgraduate students, and the conferment of an honorary Doctorate in Public Administration upon First Lady Oluremi Tinubu.
