Universities must drive solutions to insecurity, food crisis — Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has challenged Nigerian universities to actively contribute to solving the nation's pressing issues, including insecurity, food shortages, climate change, and technological backwardness.

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While the government is doing its part, I challenge Nigerian universities to live up to their calling. 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.

Speaking at the 55th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, represented by Prof. Edoba Omoregie, Tinubu emphasized that academic research should move beyond theoretical knowledge to practical implementation. "We are looking up to the universities to provide evidence-based advice and innovative solutions to these problems," he stated, urging that research outputs should inform industries and shape developmental priorities.

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Research outputs from our universities should move from the shelves to industries where they are needed, and should translate into policies that shape our developmental priorities.

Tinubu reiterated his administration's dedication to education as a cornerstone for national growth. He highlighted ongoing efforts through the Nigerian Educational Loan Fund and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) to ensure higher education remains accessible and well-equipped. The goal, he said, is to produce graduates who are not only employable but also capable of creating jobs and driving economic transformation.

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Our goal is to ensure that our higher institutions produce graduates who are not only employable but are also capable of creating employment and driving economic transformation.

The President encouraged the graduands to face the future with optimism, viewing their certificates as a call to national service. He stressed that Nigeria needs their knowledge, creativity, courage, and integrity to shape its future. The Chancellor of the university, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, also commended the institution's leadership and advised graduands to be adaptable in a rapidly changing world, emphasizing that character and integrity are key measures of their worth.

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Nigeria needs your knowledge, creativity, courage, and integrity. The future of our country will be shaped not only by government but also by young men and women like you who are prepared to solve problems, create jobs, build industries, and strengthen our democracy.