President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the quality of tertiary education in Nigeria and fostering innovation across the nation’s universities.
Speaking at the 40th convocation ceremony of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) in Kwara State on Thursday, the president said his government would continue to invest in research, digital skills, and entrepreneurship development to prepare Nigerian students for a knowledge-driven global economy.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof. Temidayo Oladiji, commended UNILORIN for its culture of discipline and academic excellence, describing it as a model for other universities.
“As the University of Ilorin approaches its 50th anniversary, it continues to stand out as a centre of excellence. Nigeria must produce Nobel laureates, and I believe UNILORIN can lead that charge,” he said.
The president announced that UNILORIN had been chosen as one of the host institutions for the National Universities Commission (NUC)’s Digital Innovation Hubs, designed to promote creativity and entrepreneurship among students. “This hub will position Ilorin as a leading centre for innovation in Nigeria’s knowledge economy,” he noted.
Tinubu also disclosed that the university is among 18 institutions benefiting from a ₦110 billion national intervention fund aimed at expanding medical training facilities to boost the number of healthcare professionals in the country.
He urged UNILORIN to strengthen its agricultural research efforts and align with the Federal Government’s key initiatives such as the Livestock Development Programme and the Green Money Project.
Addressing Nigeria’s current economic situation, the president acknowledged the challenges facing citizens but assured that his administration’s reforms would deliver long-term benefits. “I acknowledge the temporary hardships Nigerians face today, but these challenges are short-lived. The foundation we are laying will build a stronger and more inclusive economy,” he said.
Tinubu further justified the suspension of the establishment of new tertiary institutions, explaining that the move was necessary to consolidate and enhance the capacity of existing ones. “We must prioritise quality over quantity,” he stressed.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu—represented by the Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, Prof. AbduLateef Oladimeji—commended UNILORIN for attracting over ₦12 billion in research grants from local and international partners in the past two years.
“The University of Ilorin continues to demonstrate that with vision and commitment, world-class achievements are possible,” Ribadu said.
The Vice Chancellor of UNILORIN, Prof. Wahab Egbewole (SAN), described the 40th convocation as a significant milestone in the institution’s development. He urged the graduating students to uphold the university’s values of integrity, discipline, and excellence.
“At 50, our university has matured. The future begins now—be disciplined and deliberate in shaping your destiny,” Egbewole told the graduands.
