Nigeria’s Insecurity Didn’t Start With Tinubu – Dogara

‎A former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has said Nigeria’s security challenges did not begin with the administration of President Bola Tinubu, noting that terrorism, insurgency, banditry and kidnapping had persisted for years before 2023.

‎Dogara, who is the Chancellor of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, spoke at the institution’s 16th convocation ceremony, where 836 graduands received various academic qualifications.

‎He attributed the country’s security challenges to years of porous borders, illegal arms proliferation, youth unemployment and the spread of extremist ideologies.

‎“Insecurity in Nigeria did not begin with this administration. This is no excuse, because the facts need no defence. Terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence did not arrive in 2023,” he said.

‎The former Speaker said the problems had developed over several years, with their roots predating Tinubu’s assumption of office in May 2023.

‎He, however, acknowledged that national security remained a major responsibility of the present administration.

‎Dogara also congratulated the graduands, saying the country needed their talents, creativity and innovation to address its development challenges.

‎In his address, the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Bode Ayorinde, said Nigeria had made significant progress in expanding access to tertiary education but expressed concern about the employment prospects of graduates.

‎Ayorinde cited figures from the National Universities Commission, which put the number of universities in Nigeria at 312 as of June 2026, comprising 77 federal, 67 state-owned and 168 private institutions.

‎He said the growing number of universities represented a huge investment in human capital, with parents, governments and lecturers making sacrifices to produce skilled professionals.

‎However, he questioned the opportunities available to graduates after completing their studies, stressing the need to ensure that investments in tertiary education translated into meaningful prospects for young Nigerians.

‎The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Omolola Irinoye, said the university had remained committed to providing quality education through intellectual development, practical skills, character building and social responsibility since its establishment.