President Bola Tinubu has tasked Nigerian universities with pioneering innovative research to boost production and diversify the nation’s economy. He delivered this charge on Saturday during the 53rd convocation ceremony of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where he addressed the institution as its official visitor.
“It is now common knowledge that research and innovation can grow the economy of a country faster than mineral deposits,” President Tinubu stated. “I challenge all scholars in this university and other universities to embark on the specific innovative research that can help boost production and diversify our economy.”
The convocation ceremony marked the conferment of postgraduate diplomas, higher degrees, the title of professor emeritus, and the award of honorary degrees.
As one of Nigeria’s leading institutions, the president urged UNN to lead the charge in promoting excellence. “As one of the premier universities, the UNN is expected to lead the way in this important quest for all-round excellence,” he said.
President Tinubu also emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship training in higher education. “I also challenge our universities to continue to emphasise training in entrepreneurship so that these graduates can become job creators instead of perennial job seekers,” he added.
Acknowledging the need for urgent reform in the nation’s educational system, Mr. Tinubu pledged his administration’s commitment to revitalizing the sector. “The funding needed to revitalize the education system is much. It is, therefore, expedient that all hands must be on deck to assist the education sector,” he assured.
The president expressed confidence in Nigerian universities’ capacity to find lasting solutions to the country’s challenges. “I have no doubt that Nigerian universities are very much able to find lasting solutions to problems faced by the country,” he said.
The UNN’s convocation highlighted the university’s commitment to academic excellence and its potential role in addressing national challenges through research and innovation.
(NAN)
