President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged that the current socioeconomic challenges in the country present an opportunity for his administration to embrace innovation and foster economic growth. Speaking at the 47th convocation ceremony of Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Tinubu, represented by the Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Sununu, pledged to take bold decisions to revitalize the education sector.
Tinubu assured that the government would invest more in education and research, aiming to empower graduates to significantly contribute to addressing the nation’s various challenges. He acknowledged the daunting challenges, including poverty, inflation, insecurity, political instability, and infrastructural deficiencies, but stressed that they also provide opportunities for innovation and growth.
Countries and organizations that invest in education, research, and innovation are more likely to succeed globally, Tinubu noted. He emphasized the need to continue investing in education and research to ensure graduates remain competitive in a rapidly changing world.
The president affirmed the government’s commitment to taking a holistic approach to strengthening the education system, promising increased investment at all levels. Tinubu also pledged to address the root causes of trade union strikes in universities and tertiary institutions, minimizing the wastage of students’ time.
In addressing the graduates, the Chancellor of the University, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, emphasized the crucial role of human resources in a nation’s future, highlighting the significance of knowledge, skills, and capacity for well-being, sustainability, growth, and development.