President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has defended his administration’s record ₦3.52 trillion allocation to the education sector in the 2025 federal budget, describing it as a strategic investment to transform the nation’s future.
Speaking through the Vice Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Madu Offor, at the 54th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Tinubu said the 61.47% increase from the previous year was aimed at revitalizing education infrastructure, improving access, and fostering innovation.
> “An educated society is the bedrock of economic growth, social stability, and technological advancement,” Tinubu said. “Through this unprecedented allocation, we’re promoting inclusivity, skill acquisition, and data-driven planning.”
He emphasized that education should not end at graduation but be a tool for transformation. Addressing the graduands, Tinubu said:
> “The entrepreneurial training you received has equipped you to think innovatively and contribute to national development. Your education is a tool for change.”
The President praised UNN’s legacy as Africa’s first indigenous university and reaffirmed its critical role in nation-building.
Meanwhile, the Chancellor of UNN, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, charged the graduands to be ambassadors of excellence and unity, urging them to “restore the dignity of man,” a core philosophy of the institution.
However, the university’s Pro-Chancellor, Kayode Olubunmi Ojo, raised concerns over decaying infrastructure and poor administrative performance. He appealed for urgent government intervention in key areas including power supply, road rehabilitation, healthcare facilities, ICT infrastructure, and student housing.
Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Oguejiofor Ujam, highlighted the institution’s progress under his watch, including the creation of a Directorate of Grants and Scholarship and efforts to boost international partnerships. He cited his recent participation in the launch of the Centre for African Social and Economic Transformation (CASET) in the UK as part of efforts to reposition UNN globally.
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