President Bola Tinubu has challenged Nigerian universities to move beyond producing graduates and take a more active role in tackling the country’s most pressing challenges, including insecurity, food insecurity, climate change and technological underdevelopment.

The President said universities must become centres for practical, evidence-based solutions capable of influencing government policies, driving industrial innovation and addressing Nigeria’s socio-economic problems.

Tinubu made the call on Saturday, July 25, 2026, during the 55th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).

Represented at the ceremony by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Prof. Edoba Omoregie, the President described education as Nigeria’s most strategic investment, stressing that sustainable economic growth, technological advancement, national security and social cohesion all depend on a strong higher education system.

Tinubu Challenges Nigerian Universities on Research and Innovation

He said the responsibilities of universities extended far beyond teaching students and awarding academic degrees.

“Universities do not merely graduate students; they shape ideas, destinies and preserve the moral and intellectual foundations upon which nations rise,” Tinubu said.

The President urged universities to become active partners in addressing the nation’s challenges, insisting that research produced in Nigerian institutions should not remain confined to academic journals and library shelves.

“While the Government is doing its part, I challenge Nigerian universities to live up to their calling. Our country is facing numerous challenges — insecurity, food insecurity, climate change, technology lag, among others. We are looking up to the universities to provide evidence-based advice and innovative solutions to these problems.

“Research outputs from our universities should move from the shelves to industries where they are needed, and should translate into policies that shape our developmental priorities,” he said.

Government Support Through NELFUND and TETFund

Tinubu assured students and university administrators that his administration would continue expanding access to tertiary education through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), stressing that no qualified Nigerian should be denied education because of financial constraints.

He also pledged continued investment through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) in infrastructure, curriculum reforms, staff development, research and innovation.

According to him, the objective is to produce graduates capable of creating jobs rather than merely seeking employment.

The President further promised improved welfare packages and greater professional development opportunities for academic and non-teaching staff, noting that a motivated workforce was essential to a productive university system.

Jobs, Skills and NYSC Reforms for Nigerian Youth

Addressing the graduating students, Tinubu acknowledged concerns over unemployment but urged them not to lose hope.

He said his administration was implementing measures to expand opportunities for young Nigerians through digital skills development, technology hubs and entrepreneurship.

He also said the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) was being restructured to make it more skills-driven, technology-oriented and entrepreneurial.

“I know that you are anxious about what the future holds for you, especially in the face of the unemployment rate in the country. I will not stand here to paint a picture of effortless prosperity to you, but I can assure you that my administration is doing everything possible to ensure that our youth are productively engaged,” he said.

Tinubu also commended the University of Nigeria for its alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda, praising the institution’s progress in infrastructure, digital transformation, research, institutional governance and global visibility.

He specifically lauded the Governing Council, led by Prof. Adegboyega Adebayo Karim, and the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, for what he described as remarkable achievements recorded within the past year.

The Chancellor of the University and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, also commended the institution’s management for repositioning the university through infrastructure renewal, digital transformation, improved research, campus security and innovation.

The monarch said the university’s ability to continually reinvent itself remained one of its greatest strengths, adding that the current administration had demonstrated purposeful leadership deserving of the support of all stakeholders.

He also praised the Federal Government, alumni and friends of the university for supporting the ongoing reforms.

Addressing the graduating students, the Ooni warned them not to assume that academic certificates alone would determine their success in life.

He urged them to continue acquiring new knowledge and skills to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world shaped by artificial intelligence, digital technologies, climate change and evolving labour markets.

“As ambassadors of the University of Nigeria, let your conduct everywhere reflect the values of discipline, excellence, integrity, hard work and respect for humanity,” he said.

The traditional ruler also reminded the graduates that education should not be used solely for personal advancement, but as a tool for transforming society through entrepreneurship, scientific innovation, improved healthcare, environmental protection, democratic development and peacebuilding.

He expressed confidence that the University of Nigeria possessed the intellectual capacity and leadership required to remain one of Africa’s foremost universities and called on its alumni to continue supporting the institution’s development.

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Adegboyega Adebayo Karim, described the convocation as a celebration of excellence, perseverance, innovation and service.

Karim said the University of Nigeria remained committed to restoring the dignity of humanity through knowledge, in line with the vision of its founder, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, declared that rebuilding the University of Nigeria was inseparable from rebuilding Nigeria itself.

In an address titled, “Arise! Let Us Rebuild the University of Nigeria: Reimagining the University, Reinventing Institutional Capacity, and Restoring the Dignity of Man,” Ortuanya said universities measured history differently from nations because they transformed lives across generations rather than through political cycles.

He said the university was pursuing a vision of becoming a globally respected centre of scholarship, innovation and research while remaining rooted in its African identity.

According to him, international collaboration, global visibility and research partnerships had become essential in today’s knowledge-driven economy.

The Vice-Chancellor announced that the university was conferring 2,994 postgraduate qualifications during the convocation.

The figure comprises 1,390 Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees, 1,340 Master’s degrees and 214 Postgraduate Diplomas.

He described the achievement as evidence of the intellectual resilience, sacrifice and excellence of the graduating students.

For more on government education policies, see Federal Ministry of Education.