From Shola Baraye, llorin
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has emphasized the importance of education in shaping Nigeria’s future and the role of young graduates in addressing the nation’s challenges.
Speaking at the 39th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Ilorin on Tuesday, Tinubu, represented by Minister of State, Education Hon. Yusuf Tanko Sununu highlighted the Federal Government’s dedication to improving the educational system and fostering youth engagement in nation-building.
Tinubu charged the graduands for their academic achievements, urging them to be proactive in contributing to the country’s development.
“As you step into the real world, the onus is on you to contribute your quota to the greatness of this country. Remember that your existence will only be.
He acknowledged the current economic and security challenges facing the country but expressed optimism in the nation’s resilience. called on the youth to take on leadership roles, leveraging their intelligence, courage, and integrity to overcome Nigeria’s challenges.
The President said the Federal Government’s initiatives to support students and educational institutions, such as the disbursement of student loans.
“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 stated, encouraging students to take advantage of the scheme.
Addressing issues in the academic sector, Tinubu reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining an uninterrupted academic calendar, calling for peaceful engagements between university staff and the government.
The President lauded the University for its remarkable achievements, including being recognized as the most subscribed university in Nigeria, and receiving an award of N500 million from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
and for accomplishments in national and international competitions, and for being awarded the Best Federal University in ICT Integration by the Bureau of Public Service Reforms.
Earlier,the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the University Surv. Abiodun Aluko, charged the graduating students to apply the knowledge they have gained for the betterment of society.
He acknowledged the important role universities play in shaping the nation and for maintaining its position as the most sought-after institution in Nigeria, particularly for attracting a diverse student body, including the highest number of foreign students in the 2023 admission exercise.
He commended the establishment of the National Education Loans Fund (NELFUND), which he described as a great relief for students and their families, further lauded the contributions of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, for the completion of a flyover bridge that has significantly eased traffic for the university community.
He reaffirmed the university’s commitment to its mission, stating, “We will leave no stone unturned in our sustained effort to ensure that the slogan ‘Better by Far’ is not just words, but deeds.”
The Vice Chancellor of the University Prof. Wahab Egbewole stated that the varsity has produced outstanding Nigerians who have contributed immensely to the nation.
He observed that education should not be confined to textbooks and classrooms,but transcend academic knowledge and actively promote ideals that drive societal transformation by fostering critical thinking dialogue and civic responsibility.
The vice chancellor stated that education should be regarded as a powerful force for positive change expected to equip individuals to challenge existing norms and advocate for progress
Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, called on the graduands to embrace innovation and become drivers of positive change as they step into the world beyond campus.
AbdulRazaq represented by the Executive Chairman Kwara state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Professor Shehu Raheem Adaramaja congratulated the graduates for their perseverance and dedication, noting that their hard work had brought them to this significant milestone.
“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,” AbdulRazaq remarked.
He emphasized the critical role of education in shaping a prosperous society and encouraged the graduates to leverage the knowledge they had acquired to contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s development and beyond
Governor AbdulRazaq also highlighted his administration’s commitment to youth development, focusing on creating an enabling environment for success through education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and tourism.
