President Bola Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to funding, research and infrastructure development in Nigerian universities, describing quality education as critical to human capital development and economic growth.

Tinubu stated this in an address delivered on his behalf by the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof. Adenike Temidayo Oladiji, at the maiden convocation of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (FUHSI), Osun State.

The president said education remained a priority under the Renewed Hope Agenda, with emphasis on science, technology, vocational education, agriculture, engineering and mathematics.

Tinubu also highlighted the importance of adequate funding, financial sustainability, transparency and accountability in strengthening universities. He said the government was supporting tertiary education through funding, student loan schemes, research and infrastructure development.

Describing FUHSI’s maiden convocation as a milestone, Tinubu said the university was established to address the demand for specialised healthcare professionals and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign institutions for medical training.

He added that investment in health sciences education would strengthen healthcare delivery and improve national productivity.

“A healthy nation is a wealthy nation,” he said, urging the pioneer graduates to apply their knowledge and skills to national development and service to humanity.

On his part, the Chancellor, Alhaji Ibrahim Ibn Umar Ibrahim El-Kanemi, urged the graduates to dedicate their expertise to serving humanity, particularly vulnerable and disadvantaged people.

He urged them to uphold three principles: character alongside knowledge, service before self, and lifelong learning. He also urged them to maintain ethical conduct and protect the university’s reputation through their professional practices.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Akeem Olawale Lasisi, described the ceremony as a landmark in FUHSI’s development and thanked the graduating students, the university community, the Governing Council, and other stakeholders for their contributions.

He urged the graduates to uphold professionalism and ethical standards in their respective fields.

In his convocation address, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Wale Sulaiman, called on the graduates to use their knowledge, skills and opportunities to improve lives.

Sulaiman said greatness was not limited to the wealthy, famous or highly placed, but was attainable by anyone committed to making a positive difference in society.

At the ceremony, the deans presented the graduands to the Chancellor, who conferred Bachelor of Science degrees on them.

Adediran Precious Opeyemi of the Department of Microbiology emerged as the overall best graduating student for the 2025/2026 academic session, with a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 4.93. She received prizes and awards in recognition of her academic performance.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who had delivered the convocation lecture; former JAMB Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede; Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Monsur Adeleke; Bursar, Mr. Adelani Adedayo Oyewale; and University Librarian, Mrs. Bukky Olufemi Asubiojo.

Others included deans of health sciences from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, and the University of Ilorin; traditional rulers, including the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, and heads of security agencies.