A former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chancellor of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, Yakubu Dogara, has said Nigeria’s security challenges predate the administration of President Bola Tinubu, arguing that terrorism, insurgency and banditry had become entrenched in the country long before 2023.
Dogara spoke at the weekend during the university’s 16th convocation ceremony, where 836 graduands received various academic qualifications.
He attributed the country’s security problems to years of porous borders, illegal arms proliferation, youth unemployment and the spread of extremist ideologies.
He, however, noted that Tinubu had consistently identified national security as a major responsibility of his administration.
Congratulating the graduands, Dogara said Nigeria needed their talents, creativity and innovative ideas to address its development challenges.
The Pro-Chancellor of the university, Professor Bode Ayorinde, expressed concern about the prospects of graduates after leaving school, despite the expansion of access to tertiary education in the country.
Ayorinde cited figures from the National Universities Commission (NUC), 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 described the institutions as a major investment in human capital, noting that parents, governments and lecturers had made significant sacrifices to produce skilled professionals.
He, however, questioned the opportunities available to graduates after completing their studies, stressing the need to address the gap between university education and employment prospects.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor 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.
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