By Mark Mayah
Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Tuesday in Ilorin, Kwara State Capital, reiterated the resolve of the Federal Government (FG) to continue to promote functional education and youth empowerment.
President Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of State for Education, Malam Yusuf Sununu, spoke at the 39th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN).
The president highlighted the FG’s resolve to improving the educational system and fostering youth engagement in nation-building.
Tinubu emphasised the importance of education in shaping Nigeria’s future and the role of young graduates in addressing the nation’s challenges.
The president congratulated the graduands for their academic achievements and urged them to be proactive in contributing to the nation’s development.
The Nigerian leader acknowledged the current economic and security challenges facing the country but expressed optimism in the nation’s resilience.
He called on the youths to take on leadership roles, leveraging their intelligence, courage, and integrity to overcome Nigeria’s challenges.
He highlighted the FG’s initiatives to support students and educational institutions, such as the disbursement of student loans, and encouraged the students to take lladvantage of the scheme.
“The Nigerian Education Loans Fund (NELFUND) has come to stay to provide opportunities and access for students to learn with ease and pay back later,” he said.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining an luninterrupted academic calendar and called for peaceful engagements between university staff and the government.
The president explained that the FG lllhad taken steps to resolve staff shortages in universities, with recent waivers allowing institutions to recruit more personnel.
He commended Unilorin for its remarkable achievements, including being recognised as the most subscribed university in Nigeria land receiving an award of N500 million from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Tinubh also praised the university for its accomplishments in national and international competitions and for being awarded the Best Federal University in ICT Integration by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms.
The Vice Chancellor, University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole charged the graduating class of the 39th convocation ceremonies to uphold the values instilled in them during their academic journey and to contribute meaningfully to society.
Egbewole, who extended his heartfelt congratulations to the graduating students and their parents, commending their resilience and dedication, however noted that their hard work and perseverance had earned them a place at the center of the university’s celebration.
“Your doggedness and smart work have positioned you for a celebration today,” he said.
Speaking to an assembly of over 12,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students, along with proud parents and distinguished guests, including the visitor to the university, president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, ably represented by the Minister of state for Education, Dr Yusuf Tanko, Prof. Egbewole highlighted the importance of critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovation in addressing the challenges facing Nigeria.
“Dear proud parents and graduands, you are the reason for our gathering, and we must celebrate you in unique ways,” the Vice Chancellor began. He acknowledged the hard work, perseverance, and dedication that had brought the graduates to this important milestone, urging them to not only celebrate their achievements but to also look ahead to the responsibilities they now bear as university graduates.
Prof. Egbewole emphasised that the graduates are “no longer where they were” four years ago and that they should now be ready to contribute to national development.
“Society awaits the wonders of your degrees to change the situation and restore hope for a better country,” he stated. With the challenges Nigeria faces today, he stressed the need for graduates to hit the ground running, offering solutions and adding value wherever they find themselves.
The Vice Chancellor also expressed pride in the accomplishments of the university, noting its significant contributions to Nigeria’s manpower development.
With a total of 12,042 undergraduate and 1,875 postgraduate students graduating this year, Prof. Egbewole pointed out that the institution continues to be a leader in higher education, earning accolades both nationally and internationally. He highlighted the university’s recent ranking as the third-best Nigerian university in scholarly outputs and its remarkable achievements in research, with numerous patents and groundbreaking projects in fields such as veterinary medicine and food engineering.
As the university approaches its 50th anniversary in 2025, Prof. Egbewole called on the graduates to carry forward the university’s tradition of excellence. “Let your actions and contributions to national development reflect that you are now a proud graduate of the ‘Better by Far’ University,” he urged.
He reminded them that their time at the University of Ilorin had equipped them with the skills and values needed to make a positive impact on the world.
Prof. Egbewole reiterated the university’s commitment to providing quality education and enhancing its infrastructure to meet global standards. He called on all stakeholders to support the institution’s vision of becoming the best in Nigeria and one of the top 100 universities in the world.
Earlier, the university’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Surv. Abiodun Aluko, in his address affirmed the role of the university in confronting societal challenges, especially during these difficult times. “I assumed responsibility as the 14th Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of the best Nigerian University, both by reputation and by credentials, at a challenging time in the life of our dear country, Nigeria,” he noted.
He introduced the university’s Vision 1:10:100, which aims to position the institution among the top 10 universities in Africa and the top 500 globally. Aluko emphasised the importance of innovation and resource mobilisation to sustain the university’s leadership in academic excellence, research, and societal contributions.
Speaking directly to the graduates, he reminded them of their privileged position and the immense investment the nation and the university had made in their education.
“The University of Ilorin has equipped you with all you need to excel in life, both in terms of character and learning,” he said.
He encouraged them to continue developing themselves, make a difference in society, and extend their influence beyond their families to contribute to humanity.
In his address at the occasion, the Executive Governor of Kwara State and Chairman , Nigerian Governors Forum, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, charged the new graduates of the institution to be ready to face life challenges after graduation.
Describing the occasion as a joyous end of an academic journey that started a few years
ago, Governor Abdulrazaq, represented by the chairman, state Universal Basic Education Board, prof Shehu Adaramaja said, “I
extend my heartfelt congratulations. Your
hard work, perseverance, and dedication have brought you to this moment.
“This
great closure of your journey on this campus opens a new chapter in your lives
as you explore a new world of challenges and great possibilities.
The Governor said:
“As we all know, education is the foundation of any thriving society. You are now
equipped with the tools to contribute meaningfully to the development of Nigeria,
and beyond.
“As you step into the wider world, I urge you to be drivers of positive change,
innovators, and entrepreneurs.”
Mallam Abdulrazaq, therefore urged the graduated students to embrace the
challenges before them adding : “I urge you all to seize the opportunities that lie ahead. Surely, with
strong commitment and determination you will excel in your chosen careers.
Said he: “Our administration remains committed to youth development. Our goal has been
to create an enabling environment for success through education, innovation,
creativity, healthcare, tourism and entrepreneurship investments.
Kwara State, the Governor further told the graduates “is your home; together, we can build a prosperous future.’
Mallam Abdulrazaq, therefore urged the graduates to shun any social vices that may stall their
progress .
No fewer than 13 Tertiary institutions, across the country, presented goodwill messages at the ceremony.
Akinsanya Ayodeji Quadri, of the department of Mathematics, was the best graduating student with CGPA: 4.97
