Tinubu urges homegrown solutions to address Nigeria’s challenges

President Bola Tinubu has tasked specialised tertiary institutions and research institutes across the country to fulfil the mandate of their establishment in order to develop homegrown solutions to tackle the challenges facing Nigeria.

Tinubu, who emphasised that the institutions were established as solution-providers and problem-solvers to local and national problems, urged the private sector to collaborate with researchers to develop outputs for the growth of the country and its citizens.

The President stated this at the weekend during the combined 34th and 35th convocation ceremonies of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Ondo State.

According to Tinubu, who was represented by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole SAN, training of students, particularly in the area of enterprise, must be intensified among institutions in order to drive the nation forward.

While disclosing that his administration’s economic policies are already yielding the desired results, the President advised against the “japa syndrome” among the youth and intellectuals, emphasizing that Nigeria needs collaborative efforts to drive the desired development.

He said: “Our tertiary and research institutions are much more relevant at this time. The present economic situation in our country requires our institutions to join our efforts towards giving a better life to our people and making for ourselves a prosperous nation.

“Let me at this juncture call on the organised private sector to collaborate with our research institutions with a view to developing and replicating our research outputs for the benefit of our citizens and improvement of the economy. Let us intensify the training of our students, especially for enterprise, and together, we shall move our nation forward.

“I am not unaware of the consequences of the tough decisions on our people. I sincerely wish there could be softer options. It is in light of the foregoing that I am glad to inform you that the results of the policies are already yielding the expected results. The macro economy of our dear country is improving by the day and beyond expectations. The microeconomy, which directly affects our citizens, is also taking shape gradually with positive results.

“We are now graduating from a consumption to a production economy in every facet of our human endeavours. By the grace of the Almighty God, every household will experience a better life and have brighter hope for the future.”

On her part, the Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, who disclosed that the institution has been blazing the trails in terms of research, stated that “In the Times Higher Education Ranking of Universities for the year 2025, The Federal University of Technology, Akure was ranked among the Top Ten in Nigeria and also maintained its enviable position as the Best University of Technology in Nigeria, a position she has maintained consistently for two decades.

“FUTA Scholars got 40 citations in the world’s top 2 per cent scientists list. The position of FUTA as a leading research-intensive institution with global relevance and recognition was confirmed, as a number of its faculty members and alumni earned pride of place in the ranking of the Top 2% of scientists in the world, according to the latest report released by Elsevier/Stanford University, USA, on September 16, 2024.”

Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who commended the institution for championing academic excellence in Nigeria and beyond, lauded FUTA’s Vice-Chancellor and the university management for their exceptional contributions to education, research, and technological innovation.

“You have transformed FUTA into a world-class institution with groundbreaking achievements; the calibre of graduates this university consistently produces is a testament to your resilience and commitment to excellence.”