President Bola Tinubu has charged Nigerian universities to develop evidence-based solutions to the country’s pressing challenges, including insecurity, food insecurity, climate change and technological advancement.
Tinubu gave the charge on Saturday while delivering his address as Visitor to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), during the institution’s 55th convocation ceremony.
Represented by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, the President said his administration was relying on research institutions to provide practical solutions that would support national development.
He said universities must ensure that research findings move beyond academic shelves and translate into policies, industries and innovations that address real-life problems.
“Our country is facing numerous challenges — insecurity, food insecurity, climate change, technology lag, among others. We are looking up to the universities to provide evidence-based advice and innovative solutions to these problems,” Tinubu said.
The President also highlighted government efforts to expand access to higher education through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), stressing that no qualified Nigerian should be denied education because of financial limitations.
He added that through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), the government would continue to invest in infrastructure, staff development, research and innovation, as well as curriculum reforms.
Tinubu said the goal was to produce graduates who are not only employable but also capable of creating jobs and contributing to economic transformation.
He further assured Nigerians that his administration would continue to improve the welfare of academic and non-academic staff through better remuneration, professional development opportunities and policies that promote research excellence.
The President also disclosed that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme was undergoing reforms to make it more skill-based, entrepreneurship-oriented and technology-driven
The Chancellor of UNN, Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, said the strength of the university lies in its ability to respond to contemporary challenges.
He noted that the institution had made deliberate efforts to improve infrastructure, strengthen academic programmes, embrace digital transformation, promote research and enhance security.
The Vice Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, said the university remained committed to promoting scholarship, innovation and academic excellence.
According to him, the institution had recorded progress in improving the quality and competitiveness of its academic programmes while strengthening research, public-private partnerships, information technology and international collaborations.
The convocation ceremony featured the award of postgraduate diplomas, higher degrees, professor emeritus titles and honorary degrees, with a total of 2,994 higher degrees conferred, including 1,390 PhDs, 1,340 Master’s degrees and 214 postgraduate diplomas.
During the ceremony, Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, was awarded a Doctor of Public Administration degree (Honoris Causa) by the university.
Samuel Agada is a writer and media contributor from Olamaboro Local Government Area of Kogi State, Nigeria. He is a graduate of Biochemistry from the University of Jos and a former banker with GTBank and FCMB. A prolific writer, songwriter, educator, and Gospel preacher, he is passionate about informing, inspiring, and impacting society through his work.