On Thursday, President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to enhancing the quality of tertiary education and fostering innovation within Nigerian universities.
In line with this commitment, the President announced increased investments in research, digital skills, and entrepreneurship at tertiary institutions.
President Tinubu made these remarks at the 40th convocation ceremony of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) in Kwara State. Represented by Professor Temidayo Oladiji, Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), he praised the University of Ilorin for its record of discipline and academic excellence, citing it as a model for other universities.
“As the University of Ilorin nears its 50th anniversary, it continues to distinguish itself as a center of excellence. Nigeria must produce Nobel laureates, and I believe UNILORIN can lead this effort,” he stated.
Tinubu announced that UNILORIN has been chosen as one of the host institutions for the National Universities Commission (NUC)’s Digital Innovation Hubs, which aim to promote creativity and entrepreneurship among students.
“This hub will establish Ilorin as a leading center for innovation in Nigeria’s knowledge economy,” he noted.
The President revealed that UNILORIN is among the 18 institutions benefiting from a N110 billion national intervention fund, intended to expand medical training facilities and increase the number of healthcare professionals in the country. He encouraged the university to continue its progress in agricultural research and align with the federal government’s initiatives such as the livestock development program and the Green Money Project.
Addressing Nigeria’s current economic challenges, President Tinubu called for understanding, assuring that ongoing reforms would yield positive outcomes in due course.
“I acknowledge the temporary hardships Nigerians face today, but these challenges are transitory. The foundation we are laying will build a stronger and more inclusive economy,” he stated.
He also justified the federal government’s decision to suspend the creation of new tertiary institutions, emphasizing the need to consolidate and strengthen existing ones. “We must prioritize quality over quantity,” Tinubu stressed.
Professor Abdullahi Ribadu, Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), represented by Professor AbduLateef Oladimeji, Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, commended UNILORIN for securing over N12 billion in research grants from both local and international partners over the past two years.
“The University of Ilorin continues to demonstrate that with vision and commitment, world-class achievements are possible,” he stated.
Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN), Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, described the 40th convocation ceremony as a significant milestone in the university’s development, urging the graduates to uphold values of integrity and discipline.
“At 50, our university has matured. The future begins now—be disciplined and deliberate in shaping your destiny,” he advised the graduates.