President Bola Tinubu recently emphasized his unwavering commitment to addressing Nigeria’s complex and deeply ingrained issues. He highlighted agriculture as a crucial sector for economic diversification during the 12th convocation ceremony of the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. Tinubu’s representative, Dr. Deola Lordbanjou, reiterated the importance of agriculture in Nigeria’s economy and the government’s efforts to increase agricultural universities in the country.
Tinubu stressed the need for quality education to tackle the nation’s multifaceted challenges effectively. He mentioned the establishment of the National Education Loan Fund to provide student loans and emphasized the role of specialized agricultural universities in enhancing food production and achieving self-sufficiency.
Encouraging collaboration between the government, private organizations, and individuals, Tinubu urged Nigerian agricultural universities to drive innovation in the agricultural sector to ensure food security and economic diversification. He expressed confidence in the country’s potential to meet its food needs locally and reduce dependence on imported food items.
Additionally, Tinubu addressed ongoing efforts to combat insecurity and promote energy security through the deregulation of the petroleum sector. He reassured support for security agencies in addressing criminal activities and emphasized the government’s commitment to overall national development.
In conclusion, Tinubu pledged continued government support for improving infrastructure in Nigerian tertiary institutions and urged stakeholders to maintain a peaceful learning environment. The event also featured discussions on challenges facing the Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike and commitments from government officials and university leaders to address these issues.