President Bola Tinubu has said that a healthy population is essential to Nigeria’s economic prosperity, describing investment in healthcare education and professional training as critical to national development.
Tinubu stated this in an address delivered on his behalf by the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Professor Adenike Temidayo Oladiji, at the maiden convocation ceremony of the Federal University of Health Sciences, Ila-Orangun (FUHSI), Osun State.
The President said a strong healthcare system was not merely a social necessity but also an economic imperative, noting that a productive population depended on access to quality healthcare.
He said the Federal Government would continue to support the education sector under its Renewed Hope Agenda, with particular emphasis on science, technology, vocational education, agriculture, engineering and mathematics as drivers of economic growth.
According to him, the administration recognises the importance of adequate funding and financial sustainability in ensuring that universities fulfil their educational mandates.
Tinubu said the government was pursuing policies aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and sound financial management to strengthen the financial stability of tertiary institutions.
He described the maiden convocation as evidence of the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding access to quality education, particularly in the critical fields of health sciences.
The President said FUHSI was established to address Nigeria’s growing need for specialised healthcare professionals and reduce dependence on foreign institutions for the training of medical and allied health personnel.
He added that the university was expected to contribute to research, innovation and the development of skilled healthcare professionals capable of serving the country and humanity.
Addressing the graduating pioneer students, Tinubu urged them to deploy the knowledge and skills acquired during their studies towards national development.
He charged them to be good ambassadors of the university and contribute to strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system through professionalism, dedication and compassion.
The President also acknowledged the sacrifices of parents, guardians and university staff, saying their support had contributed significantly to the graduates’ academic achievements.
He congratulated the graduating students and the university community on the milestone, expressing optimism that the institution would contribute to the development of a skilled health workforce for the country.
