Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has stated that Nigeria's security challenges are not a recent development, but rather a problem that has been ongoing for years. He made this statement at the 16th convocation ceremony of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, where 836 graduands received various academic qualifications. Dogara, who is the Chancellor of the university, noted that terrorism, insurgency, and banditry had been entrenched in the country before President Bola Tinubu assumed office in 2023.
According to Dogara, the country's security problems are rooted in years of porous borders, illegal arms proliferation, youth unemployment, and the spread of extremist ideologies. He emphasized that insecurity in Nigeria did not begin with the current administration, adding that the challenges had developed over several years. Dogara stressed that the roots of these problems went deep before Tinubu assumed office in May 2023.
Despite acknowledging the severity of the security challenges, Dogara noted that President Tinubu had consistently identified national security as a major responsibility of his administration. He congratulated the graduands, saying the country needed their talents, creativity, and innovation. The former Speaker's comments come at a time when Nigeria is facing various security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, and banditry.
In his address, the Pro-Chancellor of Achievers University, Prof. Bode Ayorinde, expressed concern about the prospects of graduates after leaving school. He cited figures from the National Universities Commission, which put the number of universities in the country at 312 as of June 2026, comprising 77 federal, 67 state-owned, and 168 private institutions. Ayorinde noted that these institutions represented a huge investment in human capital.
Ayorinde questioned what opportunities awaited graduates after completing their studies, despite the significant progress made in expanding access to tertiary education. He emphasized that parents, governments, and lecturers had made sacrifices to produce skilled professionals. The Pro-Chancellor's comments highlight the need for the government and other stakeholders to address the challenges facing graduates in the job market.
The Vice-Chancellor of Achievers University, Prof. Omolola Irinoye, said the university had remained committed to providing quality education that combines intellectual development, practical skills, character building, and social responsibility since its establishment. She emphasized the university's focus on producing graduates who are equipped to make a positive impact in society.
The convocation ceremony, which saw 836 graduands receive various academic qualifications, is a testament to the university's efforts to provide quality education. As the country continues to grapple with security challenges, the need for institutions like Achievers University to produce skilled and responsible professionals has become more pressing.
Key points
- Nigeria's security challenges predate President Bola Tinubu's administration.
- The country's security problems are rooted in years of porous borders, illegal arms proliferation, youth unemployment, and the spread of extremist ideologies.
- Achievers University has remained committed to providing quality education that combines intellectual development, practical skills, character building, and social responsibility.
