By Peace Erewunmi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has challenged Nigerian universities to move beyond their traditional teaching role and become centres for developing practical, evidence-based solutions to the country’s pressing challenges, including insecurity, food insecurity, climate change and technological underdevelopment. He made the call at the 55th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where he was represented by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Prof. Edoba Omoregie.

The President stressed that research conducted in Nigerian universities should no longer remain on library shelves but should be translated into public policy, industrial innovation and practical interventions capable of addressing national socio-economic problems. He described education as Nigeria’s most strategic investment, noting that sustainable economic growth, national security and technological advancement depend on a strong higher education system.

Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening tertiary education through continued investment in the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund). He said the government would continue to support infrastructure development, research, innovation, curriculum reforms and staff development while ensuring that no qualified Nigerian is denied access to higher education because of financial constraints.

Addressing graduating students, the President acknowledged concerns about unemployment but urged them to remain hopeful. He said the Federal Government is investing in digital skills, technology hubs, entrepreneurship and reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to equip young Nigerians with skills for self-employment and national development.