President Bola Tinubu said at the weekend that his administration allocated a record ₦3.52 trillion to education in the 2025 federal budget — a 61.47% increase from the previous year — to improve the quality of education.
He noted that an educated society is the bedrock of economic growth, social stability, and technological advancement, pointing out that it fosters innovation, reduces crime, and empowers citizens to make informed decisions.
The President stated that through targeted policies and strategic investments in education, his administration has initiated transformative changes aimed at inclusivity, skill acquisition, data-driven planning, and quality engagement.
Tinubu stated this in his address at the 54th Convocation of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), held for the award of higher degrees, diplomas, honorary degrees, and professor emeritus of the institution.
Tinubu, whose address was read by the Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUA), Professor Madu Offor, noted that the substantial allocation underscores the commitment to improving infrastructure, expanding student funding, and enhancing access to quality education at all levels.
The President, who reiterated that the challenges facing the country were not insurmountable, urged the graduates to see them as opportunities in disguise.
“The entrepreneurial training you have received here equips you to think innovatively and contribute meaningfully to our nation’s transformation. As you step into the world, remember that your education is a tool for change; use it to drive progress under our Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
He said that UNN holds a unique place in the nation’s history as the first indigenous and autonomous university, adding that its mandate to address the manpower needs of the nation remains relevant.
The Chancellor of UNN, His Imperial Majesty, (Dr.) Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife, urged the graduands to be ambassadors of UNN, champions of unity in diversity, and to “restore the dignity of man.”
“You carry the mantle of Africa’s first indigenous university; let your words, thoughts, and deeds reflect its greatness. Let this event go beyond a ceremonial occasion to being a turning point in your life. Let us adopt a transformed culture of merit, novelty, and accountability,” he said.
Also, the Pro-Chancellor of UNN, Kayode Olubunmi Ojo, while appreciating the President for the unprecedented support to the school, noted the massive and visible decay of critical infrastructure, abandoned projects, and environmental/aesthetic challenges.
“These are in addition to the diminished job satisfaction by academic and non-teaching staff arising from long-term poor administrative performance, which has reduced the lion’s den to an abandoned poultry,” he stated.
Ojo listed seven areas where the university needs intervention, namely: power supply, road rehabilitation, healthcare infrastructure for staff and students.
Others are: ICT Building/Ultra-Modern Library, hostel accommodation, perimeter fencing of all campuses, and an Ultra-Modern Sports Pavilion.
Earlier, Acting Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Professor Oguejiofor Ujam, said the event was an opportune moment to acknowledge the collective efforts that have propelled the institution to this point and to craft a vision for an even brighter future.
“I make bold to say that we have strived to create an environment conducive for learning, stoking innovation, and achieving holistic development,” he stated.
Ujam spoke on the achievements of his short administration, stressing that he created the Directorate of Grants and Scholarship, and appointed an Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor, among other initiatives.
On strengthening ties with international counterparts, he explained that his visit to the United Kingdom for the launch of the Centre for African Social and Economic Transformation (CASET) at the University of the West of England, Bristol, in May “offered a unique opportunity to contribute to discussions on critical issues affecting African development and to position our University as a key player in addressing these challenges through research and innovation.”
(The Guardian)
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