Insecurity: Tinubu Charges Nigerian Universities to Deliver Evidence-Based Solutions

President Bola Tinubu has challenged Nigerian universities to develop evidence-based solutions to the country’s pressing socio-economic and security challenges, urging academic institutions to make research more relevant to national development.

The President made the call on Saturday while addressing the 55th convocation ceremony of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in his capacity as the institution’s Visitor.

Represented by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Professor Edoba Omoregie, Tinubu identified insecurity, food insecurity, climate change and technological underdevelopment as some of the major issues confronting Nigeria.

He said the Federal Government expects universities to provide practical, research-driven recommendations capable of addressing these challenges.

“Our country is facing numerous challenges, including insecurity, food insecurity, climate change and technology lag. We are looking up to universities to provide evidence-based advice and innovative solutions to these problems,” he said.

The President stressed that research findings should move beyond academic shelves and be translated into government policies and industrial applications that promote national development.

Tinubu also reiterated his administration’s commitment to expanding access to higher education through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), noting that the initiative ensures qualified students are not denied education because of financial constraints.

According to him, the student loan scheme reflects the government’s belief that every deserving Nigerian should have access to quality tertiary education regardless of economic background.

He added that the Federal Government would continue to invest in higher education through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) by improving infrastructure, supporting research, promoting curriculum reforms and strengthening staff development.

The President also pledged improved welfare for academic and non-teaching staff through better remuneration and reforms that encourage research excellence, professional growth and institutional stability.

Tinubu further disclosed that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is being restructured to become more skill-oriented, entrepreneurship-driven and technology-focused.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Chancellor of UNN, praised the Federal Government for its continued support of public universities and urged institutions to remain responsive to emerging national challenges.

UNN Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon Ortuanya, said the university has continued to strengthen academic quality, research, digital transformation, public-private partnerships and international collaborations.

The ceremony also featured the award of 2,994 postgraduate qualifications, including 1,390 PhDs, while First Lady Oluremi Tinubu received an honorary Doctor of Public Administration degree.