President Tinubu charges UNILORIN graduates to be job creators
By Mustafa Abubakar
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged graduates of the University of Ilorin to go beyond seeking employment by creating jobs, embracing innovation and using their knowledge to solve problems and serve humanity.
The President gave the charge last Friday (October 23,2026) in his speech at the 41st Convocation Ceremonies of the University at the University Auditorium
Represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaibah Said Ahmad, the President said that the commitment of the University to academic excellence, discipline and institutional development continued to strengthen the nation’s higher education system.
Addressing the graduating students, the President said their achievement reflected years of hard work, perseverance and sacrifice, supported by their parents, guardians, and dedicated lecturers.
He said the graduation marked not only a celebration of academic achievement but also the beginning of greater responsibility for the graduates.
According to President Tinubu, certificates should not be regarded merely as qualifications for employment but as instruments for solving problems, creating opportunities and serving humanity.
“In a world increasingly shaped by digital technology and Artificial Intelligence, I encourage you not only to seek employment, but also to create it. Become innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and problem solvers,” he said.
He urged the graduands to make excellence their standard, integrity their compass and service their enduring commitment, stressing that Nigeria needed their creativity, patriotism and enterprise to build a prosperous future.
President Tinubu described universities as vital to national development because of their roles in producing skilled professionals, advancing research, nurturing leadership and generating innovations capable of strengthening society and the economy.
He commended the University of Ilorin for what he described as its enduring reputation for academic excellence, institutional discipline, relative industrial stability and prudent resource management.
The President said he was particularly encouraged by the University’s reported research achievements in areas such as stroke treatment and artificial intelligence-powered electrocardiogram testing.
He said his administration recognised education as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future and would continue to support efforts to improve teaching and learning, expand research capacity and equip graduates to compete in an increasingly interconnected world.
President Tinubu said the Renewed Hope Agenda placed education at the heart of national development, stressing that financial hardship should not prevent eligible Nigerian students from accessing tertiary education.
He said that it was in this spirit that the Federal Government established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) in April 2024.
According to him, figures available as of August 2026 showed that NELFUND had disbursed more than N322 billion to over 1.6 million students nationwide.
He explained that the amount includes N192 billion for tuition and institutional fees in 319 public tertiary institutions and N129 billion for student upkeep allowances.
“Through NELFUND, we are easing the financial burden on families and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians,” he said.
The President added that the Federal Government was also supporting infrastructure and research through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), while initiatives such as the 3 Million Technical Talent Programme and the Student Innovation Challenge were being implemented to develop digital skills, encourage innovation and promote entrepreneurship.
He said the interventions reflected the determination of his government to build a productive, innovative and competitive economy.
President Tinubu urged the graduands to embrace lifelong learning, strengthen their digital and analytical skills and remain adaptable to changing economic realities.
He said their degrees should be regarded as foundations, adding that their willingness to learn, innovate and create value would determine how far they would go in life.
On the stability of the tertiary education system, the President said a strong University system required a stable academic calendar, motivated staff and constructive engagement among government, University management and staff unions.
He said his Administration remained committed to implementing agreements with tertiary education unions, improving staff welfare and addressing outstanding concerns through dialogue and responsible negotiation.
President Tinubu disclosed that the Federal Government had signed agreements with academic and non-teaching staff unions of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education on the payment of the Consolidated Academic Tool Allowance (CATA) and Consolidated Non-Teaching Tool Allowance (CONTA), respectively, with effect from January 1, 2026.
He stressed that both categories of workers were indispensable to quality education and national development.
The President said industrial harmony was essential to uninterrupted learning, research and institutional productivity, urging stakeholders to sustain the progress made in maintaining relative stability across the nation’s tertiary institutions.
He also acknowledged the economic difficulties experienced by many Nigerians during the current reform process.
He said the removal of petroleum subsidy and the unification of the foreign exchange markets had imposed significant adjustment costs on households and businesses.
He said the government would continue to pursue policies aimed at promoting investment, employment, food security and a more inclusive distribution of economic gains.
As the country prepares for the 2027 general elections, President Tinubu called on Nigerians, particularly the youths, to participate peacefully, responsibly and in accordance with the law.
He cautioned young Nigerians against political thuggery, intimidation, hate speech and the spread of fake news.
“Elections are not war. Democracy is a contest of ideas, not violence,” he said.
The President stressed that no political ambition was worth the loss of human life or the destruction of the country’s common future.
He urged Nigerians to participate in the democratic process by examining the records and programmes of candidates, engaging in constructive debate and holding public officeholders accountable through lawful means.
