The President described education as Nigeria's most strategic investment, saying sustainable economic growth, technological advancement, national security and social cohesion all depend on a strong higher education system.
Nigerian president, Bola Tinubu, has challenged the nation's universities to rise beyond their traditional teaching role and become centres for developing practical, evidence-based solutions to the country's pressing challenges, including the ravaging insecurity, food insecurity, climate change and technological underdevelopment.
The President said institutions of higher learning must ensure that research findings are translated into public policy, industrial innovations and practical interventions capable of addressing Nigeria's socio-economic problems rather than remaining confined to academic journals and library shelves.
Tinubu made the call on Saturday during the 55th Convocation Ceremony of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Represented by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Benin (UNIBEN), Prof. Edoba Omoregie, the President described universities as institutions that shape ideas, destinies and the moral foundations upon which nations are built, stressing that their responsibilities extend far beyond producing graduates.
