Ilorin, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to enhancing education and empowering youth during the 39th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Ilorin on Tuesday. Represented by Minister of State for Education, Malam Yusuf Sununu, Tinubu emphasized the government’s focus on improving the educational system and fostering youth engagement in nation-building.
In his address, Tinubu congratulated the graduands for their achievements and urged them to actively contribute to Nigeria’s development. He acknowledged the current economic and security challenges the nation faces but expressed optimism about its resilience.
The president encouraged young Nigerians to embrace leadership roles, utilizing their intelligence and integrity to navigate the country’s obstacles. He highlighted the Federal Government’s initiatives to support education, including the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loans Fund (NELFUND), which aims to provide students with accessible financing for their studies.
Tinubu called for peaceful collaboration between university staff and the government to maintain an uninterrupted academic calendar. He also noted recent measures to address staff shortages in universities, allowing for increased recruitment.
The University of Ilorin was commended for its significant achievements, including its recognition as Nigeria’s most subscribed university and its award of N500 million from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). Tinubu praised the institution for its performance in national and international competitions, as well as its award for excellence in ICT integration.
Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Mr. Abiodun Aluko, encouraged graduands to apply their knowledge for societal improvement and lauded Unilorin for attracting a diverse student body, including a notable number of foreign students.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Wahab Egbewole stated that education should extend beyond textbooks, promoting critical thinking and civic responsibility. He urged graduates to continue seeking knowledge, viewing their degrees as a foundation for future global competition.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by Prof. Shehu Adaramaja, emphasized the importance of innovation and urged graduates to embrace the challenges ahead. He stressed the critical role of education in fostering a prosperous society and encouraged the new graduates to leverage their skills for Nigeria’s development and beyond.
As the ceremony concluded, the focus on education and youth empowerment echoed strongly, underscoring their importance in shaping the nation’s future.