Institutional development · Research, innovation and assessment · Nigeria
Tinubu, speaking through a minister, tells University of Ilorin graduates to build jobs
A presidential address read at the University of Ilorin's 41st convocation on 23 October asked new graduates to launch ventures and innovate instead of relying only on finding work.
Why it matters: New University of Ilorin graduates heard the President ask them to use their degrees to generate work and tackle problems, not just to obtain employment.
The University of Ilorin reported that a speech by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was delivered at its 41st convocation, held in the university auditorium on Friday 23 October 2026.
Prof. Suwaibah Said Ahmad, Minister of State for Education, stood in for the President at the ceremony, according to the university.
Pointing to the growing influence of digital tools and AI, the President told graduates to generate jobs rather than only look for them, and to take up roles as entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators.
He also credited the university's focus on excellence, discipline and its own development with reinforcing the country's higher education sector.
Editor’s view
Scott James, Research and Innovation Editor
The address was aimed squarely at the University of Ilorin's graduating cohort, whom the President asked to see their qualifications as a means to create opportunity and serve others rather than simply as a route into a job.
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