President Bola Tinubu has encouraged Nigerian graduates to apply their skills and knowledge to benefit society and foster the nation’s development.
Tinubu delivered this message during the combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremonies of the University of Uyo, held on Saturday at the university’s main campus on Nwaniba Road.
The president advised the graduates to resist the urge to seek opportunities abroad, urging universities to drive research that addresses national needs and spurs economic growth. “Education is the cornerstone of national development,” Tinubu said, “and it must be both responsive and transformative for progress to occur.”
He further emphasized the government’s investment in education, stating, “The government has invested significantly in your education, equipping you to make meaningful contributions to society. As you step into the world, I urge you to be agents of positive change, using your skills to uplift our society and contribute to Nigeria’s growth and global development. Resist the urge to look for greener pastures elsewhere. Together, we can make our own pastures equally green, if not greener.”
Representing President Tinubu, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Georgewill, expressed concern that much of Nigeria’s research remains unused rather than being applied to drive impactful change.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s current challenges but reassured the graduates that the government is working diligently to tackle these issues, particularly those affecting vulnerable populations.
“I ask for the support and understanding of Nigerians toward the government’s economic reform programs, despite the challenges they bring,” he said.
UNIUYO’s Chancellor, Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Maje, also congratulated the graduates. He highlighted the importance of discipline and resilience, noting how these values contribute to success.
He called on Nigerians to stand united to realize President Tinubu’s vision for the country, observing, “The world’s leading economies once faced similar challenges but overcame them through resilience and patriotism.”
In his address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of UNIUYO’s Governing Council, Professor Zubairu Abdallah, thanked President Tinubu for supporting initiatives such as the student loan scheme. He noted that while the university has made progress in infrastructure, more funding would greatly accelerate UNIUYO’s growth.
“We appeal to the Visitor to ensure more funding for the university to support the development of essential facilities and upgrades to our science laboratories,” Abdallah said.
UNIUYO Vice Chancellor, Professor Nyaudo Ndaeyo, reflected on the progress achieved during his administration despite financial constraints, security concerns, and land encroachment.
He proudly shared that over 90% of academic programs now hold full accreditation, with efforts ongoing to achieve complete accreditation across all programs.
