Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, Executive Secretary of NUC, represented the president at the 36th convocation of FUTA
President Bola Tinubu has urged stakeholders to collaborate with the government in addressing the challenges facing Nigeria’s tertiary education sector, particularly in funding and the impact of research.
Speaking at the 36th convocation of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) in Ondo State, the President highlighted the need to move beyond sole reliance on government financing. His remarks came as the University awarded postgraduate degrees to 1,030 students and first degrees to 1,717 undergraduates across its ten faculties.
Represented by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Universities Commission, Prof. Abdullahi Ribadu, Tinubu stressed the importance of stronger links between universities and industry. “Research outputs should be impactful, enabling industries to make practical use of them,” he said, adding that worldwide, funding of public universities is a shared responsibility.
The President also encouraged graduates to apply their skills in entrepreneurship, agriculture, ICT, and scientific fields to foster job creation and economic development, while upholding national unity and civic responsibility.
FUTA Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, highlighted the University’s commitment to teaching, research, and community service. She noted that 18 undergraduate programmes had received full accreditation from the National Universities Commission and that the institution had expanded Top-Up programmes for Higher National Diploma holders to earn bachelor’s degrees, widening access to higher education.
The event underscored the administration’s push for sustainable funding and practical engagement between academia and Nigeria’s economic sectors.
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