Dogara Hails Tinubu’s Education and Security Reforms, Says They Could Pave Way for Nigeria’s National Renewal.

Dogara Hails Tinubu’s Education and Security Reforms, Says They Could Pave Way for Nigeria’s National Renewal.

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its interventions in Nigeria’s education and security sectors, describing the initiatives as important steps towards national development, economic transformation and sustainable peace.

Dogara made the remarks while delivering the convocation address at the 16th Convocation Ceremony of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, where he serves as Chancellor. The ceremony, held on November 1, 2026, celebrated 836 graduates across various academic programmes.

Speaking on the theme, “Rethinking National Security for Sustainable Peace, Development and National Renewal,” the former Speaker highlighted the relationship between education, national security and economic prosperity, arguing that meaningful development requires sustained investment in human capital and a stable security environment.

On education, Dogara particularly praised the Federal Government’s Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), describing it as a significant intervention aimed at reducing financial barriers preventing young Nigerians from accessing tertiary education.

He noted that the initiative was creating opportunities for students whose academic ambitions had previously been constrained by financial difficulties.

Dogara also commended government efforts to improve the welfare of university lecturers, stressing that adequately supported academic staff remain essential to building a competitive and sustainable education system.

According to him, strengthening educational institutions and expanding access to higher learning are critical investments in Nigeria’s future workforce, innovation and economic development.

Addressing the country’s security situation, Dogara acknowledged the persistent threats posed by terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality.

He commended the Tinubu administration for its continued security operations, improved intelligence gathering, inter agency cooperation and efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture.

He also highlighted expanded recruitment into the Armed Forces and Police, alongside initiatives targeting vulnerable communities and forest corridors, as measures intended to improve national security.

However, Dogara maintained that Nigeria’s insecurity did not begin under the current administration. He traced the roots of the crisis to longstanding challenges, including porous borders, illegal arms proliferation, youth unemployment and the spread of extremist ideologies.

He stressed that recognizing the historical nature of the problem should not be interpreted as an excuse for the government, but rather as an acknowledgement of the sustained efforts required to address it.

The former Speaker further argued that security is directly connected to economic growth, explaining that businesses, agricultural activities, industrial development and investment opportunities are more likely to thrive in peaceful environments.

He urged Nigerians to support efforts towards national development through patriotism, community cooperation and collective responsibility, emphasizing that government alone cannot guarantee lasting peace and prosperity.

Addressing the graduating students, Dogara challenged them to apply their academic knowledge, professional skills and creativity to solving societal problems.

He urged the graduates to embrace integrity, innovation, excellence and public service, noting that the real value of education should be reflected in its contribution to society rather than academic certificates alone.

Meanwhile, the university’s Pro Chancellor, Professor Bode Ayorinde, acknowledged the expansion of tertiary education in Nigeria but raised concerns about employment opportunities and the future prospects of university graduates.

He emphasized the need for deliberate efforts to connect educational expansion with sustainable employment and economic opportunities.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Omolola Irinoye, also reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to academic excellence, practical skills development, character building and accessible education.

Dogara’s remarks come amid continuing national conversations about the effectiveness of government reforms, particularly in addressing insecurity, improving educational access and creating economic opportunities for Nigeria’s growing youth population.

While initiatives such as NELFUND represent efforts to widen access to higher education, the broader success of these policies will ultimately depend on effective implementation, institutional accountability and measurable improvements in citizens’ living conditions.

His message at the convocation underscored the importance of combining educational investment with sustainable security strategies, describing both as essential foundations for Nigeria’s long term stability and national renewal.