On Tuesday in Ilorin, President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing education and youth empowerment during the 39th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Ilorin (Unilorin). Represented by the Minister of State for Education, Malam Yusuf Sununu, Tinubu underscored the government’s dedication to enhancing the educational landscape and encouraging youth participation in national development. He emphasized the crucial role education plays in Nigeria’s future and the importance of young graduates in tackling the country’s challenges.
Tinubu congratulated the graduating class on their accomplishments and urged them to actively contribute to national progress. He acknowledged the prevailing economic and security issues facing the nation but expressed confidence in the resilience of the Nigerian people.
The president called on young individuals to step into leadership roles, utilizing their intelligence, courage, and integrity to help address Nigeria’s challenges. He highlighted various government initiatives aimed at supporting students and educational institutions, particularly mentioning the introduction of student loans. He encouraged graduates to take advantage of the Nigerian Education Loans Fund (NELFUND), which aims to provide financial opportunities for students to pursue their studies with the option to repay later.
Moreover, Tinubu reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring a stable academic calendar and encouraged peaceful interactions between university staff and the government. He mentioned efforts made to resolve faculty shortages through recent waivers that allow universities to hire additional personnel. He praised Unilorin for its notable achievements, including its recognition as the most subscribed university in Nigeria and an award of N500 million from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
The Pro-Chancellor of Unilorin, Mr. Abiodun Aluko, also addressed the graduates, urging them to utilize their education for societal improvement. He commended the university for attracting a diverse student body, including a significant number of international students in the 2023 admission cycle, and lauded the establishment of NELFUND as a beneficial initiative for students.
In his speech, Vice Chancellor Prof. Wahab Egbewole remarked on the importance of education extending beyond textbooks and classrooms, advocating for critical thinking and civic responsibility as essential components of personal and societal transformation. He encouraged graduates to view their degrees as a foundation for continued learning and global competition.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by the Executive Chairman of the Kwara Universal Basic Education Board, Prof. Shehu Adaramaja, urged the graduates to embrace innovation and become catalysts for positive change as they transition into the next phase of their lives. He highlighted the significance of education in fostering a prosperous society and encouraged the graduates to leverage their knowledge to contribute to Nigeria’s growth and development.