Tinubu urges private sector, research institutions to improve economy

President Bola Tinubu has tasked specialised tertiary institutions and research institutes in Nigeria to fulfil the mandate of their establishment 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 the 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 the President, 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 to drive the nation forward.

Tinubu, who stated that his administration’s economic policies are already yielding the desired results, advised against the japa syndrome, saying that Nigeria needs collaborative efforts to drive the desired development.

On her part, the Vice-Chancellor of FUTA, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, who disclosed that the institution had been blazing the trails in terms of research, stated: “In the Times Higher Education Ranking of Universities for 2025, the Federal University of Technology, Akure was ranked among the Top 10 in Nigeria and also maintained its enviable position as the best University of Technology in Nigeria, a position it had maintained consistently for two decades.”

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

He said: “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.”