President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerian universities to leverage their knowledge and research capabilities to tackle the socio-economic and security challenges facing the country.
Speaking at the 38th convocation ceremony of Bayero University, Kano, Tinubu emphasized the role of intellectual scholarship in finding solutions to issues such as poverty reduction and job creation.
Represented by the Minister for Education, Professor Tahir Mamman, President Tinubu encouraged universities to define their roles and contribute to national development.
He stated, “Universities are expected to define their roles and carve out a niche for themselves by designing programmes that will assist the government in poverty reduction, creating employment opportunities, and health promotion.”
Highlighting the importance of technology in advancing knowledge and prosperity, Tinubu emphasized the need for universities to apply new technologies.
He added, “We must also apply new technologies in the advancement of knowledge and prosperity, protecting the environment, promoting sustainable development, as well as sustaining democracy and good governance without missing out on the quest towards the attainment of global sustainable development goals.”
Tinubu announced a renewed commitment to revitalizing the 970 Tsangaya integrated schools, specifically aimed at addressing the needs of out-of-school children in Northern Nigeria.
The initiative aligns with the intention to reactivate the integrated education system, including the N15 billion integrated centers established by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2012.
In recognition of their significant contributions to national development, Bayero University awarded honorary doctorate degrees of Business Administration and Law to the President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina, and Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibril, respectively.
Tinubu also expressed his commitment to improving investment at all levels of education, with a special focus on skills acquisition, technology, and vocational education as essential components of his administration’s policy.
