President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian universities to produce research and evidence-based solutions that address the country’s pressing challenges, including insecurity, food insecurity, climate change and technological development.
The President made the call during the 55th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), held at the weekend in Enugu State.
Represented by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, Tinubu said research conducted in Nigerian universities should move beyond academic shelves to industries, government institutions and policy implementation.
“Our research outputs must move from the shelves to industries where they are needed and translate into policies that shape national development priorities,” he said.
He described education as the foundation of sustainable economic growth, technological advancement, national security and social cohesion, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s higher education sector.
According to the President, the Federal Government will continue to support initiatives that improve teaching, research, innovation, infrastructure development and institutional governance across universities.
“We shall continue to create an enabling environment that allows our institutions to flourish and contribute meaningfully to national growth and global competitiveness,” he added.
Tinubu also highlighted the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), saying the student loan scheme has expanded access to higher education by ensuring that qualified students are not denied education because of financial constraints.
He further pledged sustained investment through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) to improve infrastructure, staff development, research, innovation and curriculum reforms.
The President also assured academic and non-teaching staff of improved welfare, professional development opportunities and reforms aimed at promoting research excellence and institutional stability.
Congratulating the graduating students, Tinubu urged them to use their knowledge, creativity and integrity to contribute to national development through job creation, democratic governance and industrial growth.
He added that his administration is creating opportunities for young Nigerians through investments in the digital economy, technology hubs, digital skills development and funding for tech entrepreneurs.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Prof. Simeon Uchenna Ortuanya, said the university had witnessed significant transformation within his 11 months in office, including major infrastructure rehabilitation, staff promotions and strengthened international partnerships.
He disclosed that 1,984 staff members had been promoted, including 25 scholars elevated to the rank of professor, while ongoing rehabilitation projects include internal roads, student hostels and perimeter fencing across the university’s campuses.
Ortuanya also noted that UNN has expanded its global collaborations through engagements with institutions in Sweden, Taiwan, China, Belarus, the United States, Canada and South Africa.
A total of 2,994 students graduated during the ceremony, while four distinguished Nigerians, including the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, received honorary doctorate degrees.
The Vice-Chancellor said the First Lady was conferred with the Doctor of Public Administration (Honoris Causa) in recognition of her contributions to public service, women empowerment and social development.
Also speaking, the Chancellor of the university and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, urged the graduating students to uphold integrity, discipline and excellence, reminding them that their character would ultimately define their impact on society.
