Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has highlighted that Nigeria’s security issues existed long before President Bola Tinubu took office. Speaking at the 16th convocation ceremony of Achievers University in Owo, Ondo State, where 836 students graduated, Dogara underscored that terrorism, insurgency, and banditry were already pervasive by the time Tinubu became president in May 2023.
He attributed these ongoing security challenges to years of insecure borders, the illegal proliferation of arms, youth unemployment, and the rise of extremist ideologies. “Insecurity in Nigeria did not begin with this administration. Terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, and communal violence did not arrive in 2023,” he stated.
Dogara acknowledged Tinubu’s focus on national security as a core responsibility of his government, while also congratulating the graduates for their potential contributions to the nation.
In his remarks, the university’s Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Bode Ayorinde, noted Nigeria’s progress in expanding access to higher education but expressed concerns regarding the job prospects for graduates. He pointed to data from the National Universities Commission, revealing that Nigeria had 312 universities as of June 2026—comprising 77 federal, 67 state-owned, and 168 private institutions.
Ayorinde emphasised the significant investment in human capital represented by these institutions but questioned the opportunities available for graduates upon completing their studies. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Omolola Irinoye, assured that the university remains committed to offering quality education that balances intellectual development with practical skills and social responsibility.
