Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, says Nigeria’s security challenges predate the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Dogara, who is the chancellor of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, spoke at the institution’s 16th convocation ceremony, where 836 graduands received various academic qualifications.
He said terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence had become entrenched in the country long before the current administration assumed office in May 2023.
According to him, the security challenges are rooted in years of porous borders, illegal arms proliferation, high youth unemployment and the spread of extremist ideologies.
“Insecurity in Nigeria did not begin with this administration. This is no excuse, because the facts need no defence. Terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence did not arrive in 2023,” he said.
Dogara said the security situation had developed over several years, stressing that its roots went deep before the current government took office.
He, however, noted that Tinubu had consistently identified national security as a top priority and a major responsibility of his administration.
The chancellor urged the graduands to deploy their talents, creativity and innovation towards national development.
Also speaking, the university’s Pro-Chancellor, Bode Ayorinde, acknowledged progress in expanding access to tertiary education but expressed concern about employment opportunities for graduates.
Ayorinde cited figures from the National Universities Commission, which put the number of universities in Nigeria at 312 as of June 2026. The figure comprises 77 federal, 67 state-owned and 168 private universities.
He said the growth represented significant investment in human capital by parents, governments and lecturers, but stressed the need for deliberate efforts to create viable opportunities for graduates.
In her address, the Vice-Chancellor, Omolola Irinoye, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to providing quality education that combines intellectual development, practical skills, character building and social responsibility.
