FIC Report (Enugu State) – President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to quality education, saying through targeted policies and strategic investments in education, they have 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 on Saturday for the award of higher degrees, diplomas, honorary degrees and professor emeritus of the institution.
President Tinubu whose address was read by the Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike (MOUA), Professor Maduebibisi Offor, noted, “In an unprecedented move, my administration allocated a record 3.52 trillion to education in the 2025 federal budget, a 61.47% increase from the previous year.”
According to him, “This substantial allocation underscores our commitment to improving infrastructure, expanding student funding and enhancing access to quality education at all levels.
He noted that 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.
To the graduands, he advised, “The challenges facing our nation today are not unsamoutable. They are opportunity 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.”
“The University of Nigeria holds a unique place in our nation’s history as the first indigenous and automous university, established in the same week as Nigeria’s independence in October 1960 by our founding fathers, led by the Rt. Hon. Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe.
“The university’s mandate to address the manpower needs of our newly independent nation remains as relevant as it was then. Over the past 54 years, this Institution has consistently upheld this mission, producing graduates who have contributed significantly to national development”, he stated.
Also speaking, Chancellor of UNN, His Imperial Majesty, (Dr.) Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi CFR, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife, urged the graduands to be Ambassadors of UNN, champions of unity in diversity and Ambassadors of the dream to “restore the dignity of man”.
Ooni Ogunwusi told them, “Today, that message is more vital than ever. 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.”
In his address, Pro-Chancellor of UNN, Egr. Kayode Olubunmi Ojo said, “While appreciating Mr President for the unprecedented support to UNN, it is sad to note that the University has not justified huge investment in it, owing to massive and visible decay of critical infrastructure, abandoned projects and environmental/aesthetic challenges.
“These in addition to the diminished job satisfaction by the academic and non-teaching staff arising from long term poor administrative performance has reduced the lion’s den to abandoned poultry”, he stated.
Earlier in his address, Acting Vice-Chancellor of UNN, Professor Oguejiofor Ujam noted, “This event is an opportune moment to acknowledge the collective efforts that have propelled us 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.
Signed
Bonaventure Ngwu,
FIC Enugu
(29-07-2025).
