Tinubu Assures Economic Reforms Will Soon Yield Results, Unveils Innovation, Education Initiatives at UNILORIN
President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the economic reforms introduced by his administration will soon produce positive outcomes, describing the current hardships across the country as temporary sacrifices necessary to build a stronger and more resilient economy.
The President gave the assurance on Thursday at the 40th Convocation Ceremonies of the University of Ilorin, held at the institution’s main auditorium.
He was represented by the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Prof. Temidayo Oladiji.
Tinubu congratulated the management, staff, and graduating students of the university and announced that the University of Ilorin had been selected as one of the host institutions for the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) Digital Innovation Hubs.
The initiative, he said, is designed to promote creativity, research, and entrepreneurship among young Nigerians.
“This initiative is designed to harness the ingenuity and entrepreneurial potential of our young people, not only within this University but across Kwara State and the North Central region.
“The Digital Innovation Hub will serve as a catalyst for digital skills development, research, and enterprise incubation, positioning Ilorin as a leading centre for innovation in Nigeria’s knowledge economy,” he stated.
The President also revealed that UNILORIN is among 18 universities benefiting from the ₦110 billion national intervention to expand medical training facilities, a move aimed at addressing the country’s shortage of healthcare professionals.
He commended the university for its contributions to research, agriculture, and enterprise, urging scholars to align their innovations with key government programmes such as the Livestock Development Initiatives, the Green Money Project, and the CNG School Bus Scheme.
“Nigeria must produce Nobel laureates, and we believe this University can lead that charge,” Tinubu declared, applauding UNILORIN’s research achievements and its effective use of TETFund grants.
Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to stabilising the economy, the President said ongoing reforms are designed to unlock productivity and ensure long-term growth.
“I acknowledge the temporary hardships Nigerians face today, but I assure you these challenges are short-lived. The foundation we are laying will yield a stronger, more inclusive economy,” he stated.
Tinubu also disclosed that the Federal Government had suspended the establishment of new tertiary institutions to focus on strengthening existing ones for better efficiency and impact.
“We are prioritising quality over quantity. Adequate resources will be channelled to existing institutions to enhance their capacity and impact,” he added.
The President reaffirmed his government’s determination to maintain an uninterrupted academic calendar in Nigerian universities, noting that earned allowances and part of the withheld salaries of academic and non-teaching staff had been paid.
“Our new loan scheme for tertiary institution staff is a genuine empowerment initiative, not a burden,” Tinubu said, urging staff unions to embrace dialogue and cooperation to sustain industrial harmony.
He also called on alumni, individuals, and the private sector to support government efforts in funding education.
“Education is too important to be left solely to government. We must all partner to build a knowledge-driven nation,” he said.
Congratulating the 2025 graduating class, Tinubu urged them to demonstrate innovation, resilience, and a sense of purpose as they begin their post-university journey.
“Your degree is not a meal ticket, but a call to leadership and service. The future belongs to you, and your generation must transform Nigeria into the nation of our dreams,” he said.
The President also commended the Chancellor, Alhaji Abdulmumini Usman, CFR, the Pro-Chancellor, Surveyor Abiodun Aluko, and the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Wahab Egbewole, SAN, for their leadership and contributions to national development.
