President Bola Tinubu yesterday called on Nigerians, particularly youths, to participate in next year’s elections peacefully, responsibly and in accordance with the law.
Tinubu spoke through the minister of state for education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmed at the 41st convocation of the University of Ilorin. He cautioned young Nigerians against political thuggery, intimidation, hate speech and the spread of fake news, stressing that elections should be contests of ideas rather than violence.
He urged Nigerians to examine the records and programmes of candidates, engage in constructive debate and hold public officeholders accountable through lawful means, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting a free, fair, credible and peaceful electoral process.
Tinubu who was said graduation marked not only the celebration of academic achievement but also the beginning of greater responsibility.
He urged them to regard their certificates as instruments for solving problems, creating opportunities and serving humanity rather than merely qualifications for employment.
“In a world increasingly shaped by digital technology and artificial intelligence, I encourage you not only to seek employment, but also to create it. Become innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, and problem solvers,” he said.
Tinunu further urged the graduands to make excellence their standard, integrity their compass and service their enduring commitment, stressing that Nigeria needed their creativity, patriotism and enterprise to build a prosperous future.
He described universities as vital to national development because of their roles in producing skilled professionals, advancing research, nurturing leadership and generating innovations capable of strengthening society and the economy.
He commended the University of Ilorin for its enduring reputation for academic excellence, institutional discipline, relative industrial stability and prudent resource management.
Tinubu who was represented by a delegation said he was particularly encouraged by the University’s research achievements in areas such as stroke treatment and artificial intelligence-powered electrocardiogram testing.
He said his administration recognised education as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future and would continue to support efforts to improve teaching and learning, expand research capacity and equip graduates to compete in an increasingly interconnected world.
Tinubu said the Renewed Hope Agenda placed education at the heart of national development, stressing that financial hardship should not prevent eligible Nigerian students from accessing tertiary education.
He said it was in this spirit that the Federal Government established the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) in April 2024.
According to him, figures available as of August 2026 showed that NELFUND had disbursed more than ₦322 billion to over 1.6 million students nationwide, comprising ₦192 billion for tuition and institutional fees in 319 public tertiary institutions and ₦129 billion for student upkeep allowances.
“Through NELFUND, we are easing the financial burden on families and expanding opportunities for young Nigerians,” he said.
The President added that the Federal Government was also supporting infrastructure and research through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), while initiatives such as the 3 Million Technical Talent Programme and the Student Innovation Challenge were being implemented to develop digital skills, encourage innovation and promote entrepreneurship.
He said the interventions reflected the government’s determination to build a productive, innovative and competitive economy.
President Tinubu urged the graduates to embrace lifelong learning, strengthen their digital and analytical skills and remain adaptable to changing economic realities, stressing that their degrees should be regarded as foundations for continued learning, innovation and value creation.
On the stability of the tertiary education system, the President said a strong university system required a stable academic calendar, motivated staff and constructive engagement among government, university management and staff unions.
He said his administration remained committed to implementing agreements with tertiary education unions, improving staff welfare and addressing outstanding concerns through dialogue and responsible negotiation.
President Tinubu disclosed that the Federal Government had signed agreements with academic and non-teaching staff unions of universities, polytechnics and colleges of education on the payment of the Consolidated Academic Tool Allowance (CATA) and Consolidated Non-Teaching Tool Allowance (CONTA), respectively, with effect from January 1, 2026.
He said the agreements recognised the distinct but complementary contributions of academic and non-teaching personnel to the effective functioning of tertiary institutions, stressing that both categories were indispensable to quality education and national development.
The Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in education as a strategic pathway to sustainable development, social mobility and economic growth.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Elder Kayode Alabi, the governor said education remained the most reliable pathway to a prosperous future and that his administration had continued to prioritise the sector as a catalyst for individual and societal
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