ABUAD system aligns with FG’s education vision, says Alausa
President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, again, appealed for calm over the country’s current economic challenges, pleading for more understanding.
Represented by the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Prof Temidayo Oladiji, at the 40th convocation ceremonies of the University of Ilorin (Unilorin), the President reassured Nigerians that the ongoing reforms embarked upon by his administration would yield positive results in due time.
“I acknowledge the temporary hardships Nigerians face today, but these challenges are short-lived. The foundation we are laying will build a stronger and more inclusive economy,” he urged.
Tinubu also justified the non-establishment of new tertiary institutions, saying it was necessary to consolidate and strengthen existing ones. He appealed: “We must prioritise quality over quantity,” adding that his administration is committed to advancing the standard of education and promoting innovation across Nigerian universities.
According to him, the Federal Government would invest more in research, digital skills, and entrepreneurship. Tinubu commended Unilorin’s record of discipline and academic excellence, describing the institution as a model for others.
“As the University of Ilorin approaches its 50th anniversary, it continues to stand out as a centre of excellence. Nigeria must produce Nobel Laureates, and I believe Unilorin can lead that charge,” he said.
The President hinted that the university had been selected as one of the host institutions for the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) Digital Innovation Hubs, designed to foster creativity and entrepreneurship among students.
“This hub will position Ilorin as a leading centre for innovation in Nigeria’s knowledge economy,” he added. Tinubu disclosed that Unilorin is among 18 institutions benefiting from a N110 billion National Intervention Fund to expand medical training facilities to boost the number of healthcare professionals in the country.
He urged the university to sustain its progress in agricultural research and align with federal programmes such as the Livestock Development Programme and the Green Money Project.
The President congratulated the 11,886 graduating students, including 316 First Class graduates, urging them to embrace innovation and resilience.
IN a related development, Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has said the quality teaching and global partnerships of the Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) reflect a disciplined system that aligns with the Federal Government’s vision for a revitalised education sector.
Alausa spoke in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, during the grand finale of ABUAD’s 13th convocation ceremonies for 2024/2025 graduating students.
Represented by Prof. Olukayode Adebowale, the minister commended the founder, Afe Babalola (SAN), for his unwavering dedication to excellence in education and nation-building.
He said the institution’s consistent record of unbroken academic sessions, quality teaching, and global partnerships exemplify the discipline and innovation needed to reposition Nigeria’s education sector.
According to him, ABUAD’s rise to global prominence and exploits within just 16 years are a testament to its commitment to academic excellence, infrastructure development, research, and community service.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Smaranda Olarinde, disclosed that a total of 1,841 students graduated across various colleges, including 229 with First Class honours, 625 Second Class Upper, 262 Second Class Lower, and 33 Third Class degrees.
In his remarks, Chief Babalola urged the graduating students to uphold the university’s values of integrity, discipline, and innovation, and to remain worthy ambassadors of the institution.
