President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his government”s dedication to enhancing tertiary education and fostering innovation in Nigerian universities. He made this commitment during the 40th convocation of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), where he promised to increase funding for research, digital skills, and entrepreneurship.
Represented by Professor Temidayo Oladiji, the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Tinubu commended UNILORIN”s strong reputation for discipline and academic excellence, calling it a benchmark for other institutions. “As the University of Ilorin approaches its 50th anniversary, it continues to stand tall as a centre of excellence,” he stated. He expressed hope that Nigeria would produce Nobel laureates, with UNILORIN taking the lead.
During the event, Tinubu announced that UNILORIN is set to host one of the National Universities Commission (NUC)”s Digital Innovation Hubs, aimed at fostering creativity and entrepreneurship among students. He emphasized that this hub would position Ilorin as a prominent centre for innovation within Nigeria”s knowledge economy.
In addition, he revealed that UNILORIN is one of 18 institutions benefiting from a national intervention fund of ₦110 billion, designed to enhance medical training facilities and strengthen the nation”s health workforce. He urged the university to expand its agricultural research efforts and align with federal initiatives like the Livestock Development Programme and the Green Money Project.
Addressing the current economic challenges in Nigeria, the President asked for citizens” patience, assuring them that the ongoing reforms would soon yield positive outcomes. “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 remarked.
Tinubu also defended the federal government”s decision to suspend the establishment of new tertiary institutions, asserting that it is crucial to focus on enhancing the quality of existing ones. “We must prioritise quality over quantity,” he affirmed.
The President congratulated UNILORIN student Sanusi Akanbi Kazeem for achieving a Guinness World Record for the longest mathematics class, highlighting it as a testament to the creativity and determination of Nigerian youth. He extended congratulations to the 11,886 graduates, including 316 First Class students, encouraging them to embrace innovation and resilience. “Your degree is not a meal ticket but a call to serve. Be creative, innovative, and resilient—the future belongs to you,” he advised.
Professor Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, the NUC Executive Secretary, who was represented by Professor AbduLateef Folorunsho Oladimeji, Vice Chancellor of Al-Hikmah University, praised UNILORIN for securing over ₦12 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 noted.
Vice Chancellor Professor Wahab Egbewole (SAN) called the convocation a significant milestone and urged graduates to uphold the institution”s values of integrity and discipline. “At 40, our university has matured. The future begins now—be disciplined and deliberate in shaping your destiny,” he advised the graduates.
He recognized various student accomplishments, including Sanusi Akanbi Kazeem and veterinary students Karimot Abisola and Idris Nahimah Opeyemi, who received a $5,500 Global Morris Foundation Scholarship. He also celebrated engineering student Qudus Aduraghemi, whose team secured €1,200 in a European innovation challenge.
Pro-Chancellor Surveyor Abiodun Aluko described Tinubu”s educational reforms as “revolutionary,” highlighting the Tertiary Institutions Staff Support Fund (TISSF) and the ₦50 billion Earned Academic Allowances payment as key stabilizers in the education sector. He commended Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for fostering peace and suggested extending the state”s urban renewal project to enhance access to the university.
Encouraging the graduates, Aluko stated, “You belong to the Artificial Intelligence generation—don”t just hit the ground running, take off flying immediately.” The convocation, which initiated festivities leading up to UNILORIN”s Golden Jubilee, attracted dignitaries, scholars, and alumni from across Nigeria and beyond, further solidifying the university”s status as one of the nation”s most disciplined and innovative institutions.
