By outdoor-nature-child.com On Tuesday in Ilorin, President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to advancing education and empowering youth. Speaking at the 39th convocation ceremony of the University of Ilorin (Unilorin), he was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Malam Yusuf Sununu.
President Tinubu emphasized the government’s determination to enhance the educational system and engage the youth in nation-building efforts. He highlighted the crucial role that education plays in shaping Nigeria’s future and stressed the importance of young graduates in tackling the nation’s challenges.
In his address, he congratulated the graduates on their accomplishments and encouraged them to actively participate in the development of the country. Acknowledging the current economic and security issues facing Nigeria, he expressed optimism about the nation’s resilience.
He urged young people to step into leadership roles, utilizing their intelligence, courage, and integrity to help address the challenges Nigeria faces. The President also shared details about the Federal Government’s initiatives to support students and educational institutions, including the introduction of student loans to ease access to education. “The Nigerian Education Loans Fund (NELFUND) has been established to provide students with opportunities for learning while facilitating later repayments,” he remarked.
Moreover, he reiterated the government’s pledge to maintain an uninterrupted academic calendar and called for constructive dialogue between university staff and the government. He explained that measures have been taken to alleviate staff shortages in universities, including waivers for institutions to recruit additional personnel.
President Tinubu commended Unilorin for its notable achievements, including being recognized as the most subscribed university in Nigeria and receiving a N500 million award from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). He also praised the university for its success in both national and international competitions and for being named the Best Federal University in ICT Integration by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms.
Earlier in the ceremony, Mr. Abiodun Aliko, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Unilorin’s Governing Council, urged graduates to apply their acquired knowledge for societal advancement. He acknowledged the significant role universities play in national development and praised Unilorin for attracting a diverse student population, including the highest number of foreign students in this year’s admission cycle.
Aliko also lauded the establishment of NELFUND, considering it a substantial relief for students, and assured graduates that the governing council would work to ensure Unilorin maintains its status as Nigeria’s leading university.
Professor Wahab Egbewole, the Vice-Chancellor of Unilorin, noted that the university has produced many exemplary Nigerians who have greatly contributed to the nation. He stressed that education should extend beyond textbooks and classrooms, aiming to inspire critical thinking, dialogue, and civic responsibility.
He encouraged graduates to continue seeking knowledge, emphasizing that their degree is merely a starting point for global competitiveness.
In his remarks, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, represented by Prof. Shehu Adaramaja, Executive Chairman of the Kwara Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), urged graduates to embrace innovation and be catalysts for positive change as they transition into the real world. “This significant milestone marks the closure of your journey on this campus and opens a new chapter in your lives filled with challenges and opportunities,” the governor stated. He underscored the vital role of education in fostering a prosperous society and encouraged graduates to leverage their knowledge to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development and beyond.