President Bola Tinubu has told graduating students that Nigeria’s future growth depends largely on the skills, knowledge and capacity of its citizens.
Speaking at the 56th convocation ceremony of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Tinubu said no nation could rise beyond the quality of its human capital, stressing that sustainable development is impossible without an educated and empowered population.
The president, who was represented by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, said the Federal Government is implementing comprehensive reforms aimed at expanding access to education, improving quality and aligning learning outcomes with the demands of a modern, digital and knowledge-driven global economy.
He added that his administration is also prioritising the welfare of students as well as academic and non-academic staff across tertiary institutions.
According to him, initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) and other legacy projects are part of efforts to restore hope, widen opportunities and deliberately invest in Nigeria’s future workforce, especially in disciplines critical to innovation, productivity and competitiveness.
Tinubu disclosed that over ₦100 billion has been earmarked for the rehabilitation of faculties of engineering and technology in 12 federal universities nationwide.
Commending UNILAG for sustaining a tradition of excellence, the president described the institution as a strategic national asset, noting that since its establishment in 1962, it has produced leaders, professionals and public servants who have contributed significantly to Nigeria’s development.
He urged the graduating students to see their convocation as a call to responsibility, coming at a time when Nigeria is undertaking bold reforms to reposition its economy and secure a more inclusive and prosperous future.
At the ceremony, UNILAG awarded honorary doctorate degrees to the Group Chief Executive of Oando PLC, Jubril Adewale Tinubu, and former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Kanu Godwin Agabi.
The university also conferred the title of Distinguished Professor on former Chief Medical Director of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof. Olayide Osibogun, while Professors James Dele Olowokudejo and Duro Oni were named Emeritus Professors.
Oyeyemi Idowu Adebamowo emerged as the Best Doctoral Thesis winner at the UNILAG Business School (ULBS), Bamidele Joshua Olapoju was named the best graduating student of ULBS, and Haruna Egbunu Abubakar won the Overall Best PhD Thesis award.
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