President Bola Tinubu has emphasized the federal government’s dedication to promoting education and empowering youth in Nigeria. Speaking through the Minister of State for Education, Malam Yusuf Sununu, during the 39th convocation ceremony at the University of Ilorin (Unilorin), the president reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening the country’s educational system and involving young people in nation-building.
At the event, Tinubu highlighted the importance of education in shaping the future of Nigeria and the vital role young graduates play in tackling the country’s challenges. He congratulated the graduating students on their achievements and urged them to take active steps in contributing to national development.
The president also acknowledged the economic and security difficulties facing the nation but expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to overcome these obstacles. He called on the youth to embrace leadership roles, using their intelligence, courage, and integrity to help solve the country’s problems.
Tinubu mentioned several federal government initiatives aimed at supporting students and educational institutions, such as the newly established Nigerian Education Loans Fund (NELFUND). This program offers students easy access to loans for their studies, which they can repay later. He encouraged students to take advantage of the scheme.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring a smooth academic calendar and encouraged peaceful relations between university staff and the government. Tinubu mentioned steps his administration had taken to address staffing shortages in universities, including allowing institutions to recruit more personnel.
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During the ceremony, Tinubu praised the University of Ilorin for its achievements, noting that it is the most subscribed university in Nigeria. The institution was recently awarded N500 million by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and recognized for excellence in national and international competitions. It was also named the Best Federal University in ICT Integration by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the University’s Governing Council, Mr. Abiodun Aliko, also addressed the graduates. He encouraged them to use their education for the betterment of society. Aliko commended the university for attracting a diverse student body, including the largest number of foreign students in the 2023 admission cycle. He praised the establishment of NELFUND, describing it as a significant benefit for students.
Aliko assured the graduates that under his leadership, the university’s governing council would continue mobilizing resources to maintain Unilorin’s position as a leading institution in Nigeria.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, noted that the university had produced many outstanding Nigerians who had made significant contributions to the country. He emphasized that education should extend beyond textbooks, fostering critical thinking, dialogue, and civic responsibility. Egbewole encouraged the graduates to keep pursuing knowledge, stressing that their degrees are just the beginning of their global journey.
In his address, Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, urged the graduates to embrace innovation and become agents of positive change as they transition into life beyond the university. Represented by the Executive Chairman of the Kwara Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prof. Shehu Adaramaja, the governor congratulated the students for reaching this significant milestone and encouraged them to use their knowledge to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s growth and development.
The event underscored the role of education in building a prosperous society and challenged the graduates to leverage their academic accomplishments to create a better future for the country.
