President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed his concerns regarding the increasing number of graduates entering the labor market, highlighting the urgent need for Nigerian universities to refine their curricula to focus on employability, entrepreneurship, and job creation.
During the 36th Convocation Ceremony at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA), Tinubu, represented by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Abdullahi Yusufu Ribadu, remarked on the pressing issue. He stated, “It is, therefore, needful to pay close attention to the relevance of our curricula to employability and job creation.”
Tinubu urged graduates to make the most of opportunities provided by the government and to develop skills in technology, agriculture, and entrepreneurship to support national development. He emphasized that government alone cannot create jobs and stressed the importance of a conducive environment for investment and business growth.
The President also mentioned ongoing reforms aimed at enhancing education, promoting research funding, and fostering partnerships between universities and industries. He underscored the significance of science, technology, and innovation for Nigeria’s development, encouraging graduates to explore the agricultural sector as a means of generating employment and wealth.
In her address, FUTA Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adenike Temidayo Oladiji, celebrated the university’s achievements, including its high ranking among the top 10 universities in Nigeria according to the 2025 Times Higher Education ranking. She also highlighted the university’s role in technological innovation and its partnership with the Ondo State government.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa commended FUTA’s contributions, urging graduates to uphold integrity and hard work as they embark on their professional journeys. He emphasized the importance of education in catalyzing development in the state.
