President Bola Tinubu has challenged Nigerian universities to produce practical, research-driven solutions to the country’s pressing challenges, saying institutions of higher learning must play a leading role in addressing insecurity, food shortages, climate change and technological advancement.
The President made the call on Saturday, July 25, during the 55th convocation ceremony of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where he spoke in his capacity as the institution’s Visitor.
Represented by the Vice Chancellor of University of Benin, Prof. Edoba Omoregie, Tinubu said the Federal Government expected Nigerian universities to move beyond theoretical research and develop ideas that could directly improve governance, industry and national development.
According to him, “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.
“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.”
The President also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to expanding access to higher education, noting that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) was helping more Nigerians pursue university education regardless of their financial circumstances.
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He said, “We will continue to provide opportunities for Nigerian students through the Students’ Loan Scheme, managed by the Nigerian Educational Loan Fund (NELFUND).
“The scheme is making higher education more accessible to deserving young Nigerians regardless of their financial background. This initiative reflects our conviction that no qualified Nigerian should be denied access to education because of economic circumstances.”
Tinubu added that the Federal Government would continue to invest in public universities through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), with emphasis on infrastructure, staff development, research, innovation and curriculum reforms.
“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,” he said.
The President further assured academic and non-academic staff that his administration remained committed to improving their welfare through better remuneration, professional development opportunities and reforms aimed at strengthening institutional stability and research excellence.
He also disclosed that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was being restructured to become more technology-driven while placing greater emphasis on skills acquisition and entrepreneurship.
Tinubu commended UNN for aligning with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly through improvements in its infrastructure.