Minister urges graduates to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship
The Minister of Education, Morufu Olatunji Alausa, has urged Nigerian graduates to adopt innovation and entrepreneurship as critical tools for tackling the country’s economic and infrastructure challenges. He reaffirmed that
The Minister of Education, Morufu Olatunji Alausa, has urged Nigerian graduates to adopt innovation and entrepreneurship as critical tools for tackling the country’s economic and infrastructure challenges.
He reaffirmed that the Federal Government’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” for education, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, remains on course, with a strong focus on advancing technical and vocational education to boost productivity and national development.
Alausa made the remarks on Wednesday at the 23rd graduation ceremony and 46th Founder’s Day anniversary of the Federal University of Technology Ilaro (FUTI), formerly Federal Polytechnic Ilaro. He expressed confidence in the ability of young Nigerians to drive meaningful transformation.
He encouraged the graduates to apply their skills with boldness and creativity in contributing to national progress.
The minister also acknowledged the support of parents, guardians, and well-wishers, noting that their contributions would yield lasting rewards.
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Represented by the Director of Polytechnic and Allied Institutions, Mrs Amy Igwe, Alausa disclosed that ongoing education reforms include a revised curriculum to be implemented in the 2025–2026 academic session. The curriculum is designed to reduce the number of subjects in primary and secondary schools to encourage deeper learning.
He added that the reforms will introduce mandatory vocational training and new subject areas such as solar PV installation and robotics.
Alausa further stated that efforts are ongoing to address the HND-degree dichotomy, alongside measures to enable polytechnics to award degrees.
He highlighted the government’s DOTS strategy, which focuses on data on out-of-school children, teacher training, and skills acquisition, as part of efforts to transition Nigeria into a knowledge-based economy.
Other initiatives include the rollout of a smart school protection strategy featuring emergency alert systems, increased capital funding for tertiary institutions in the 2026 budget, and the introduction of grants and partnerships to support graduate entrepreneurship.
The minister also noted the continued implementation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which is aimed at expanding access to higher education.
“I am happy to know that students of these institutions are taking advantage of this great visa and all other ones,” he said.
He urged the graduating students to take advantage of opportunities under the Renewed Hope Agenda and remain proud ambassadors of their institutions and the country.
“Once again, dear graduates, I'm excited to share in your achievement. As you celebrate, reflect on how to take advantage of the sundry opportunities of the Renewed Hope Agenda and assert your role in Nigeria's development project. Most importantly, be proud ambassadors of your institutions and nation,” Alausa stated.
Speaking earlier, the Acting Vice Chancellor, Dr. Mukail Akinde, urged the graduuands to step into the world with courage, innovation, and a strong sense of purpose as they mark the culmination of their academic journey.
Akinde congratulated them, saying they have well-equipped to confront real-world challenges and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Akinde said a total 8,713 graduates were produced in the 2024/2025 academic session after their years of rigorous training had prepared them not only for employment but also for entrepreneurship and global competitiveness.
He said 201 finished in the distinction category with Fadiran Boluwatife Enitan (female) emerging as the overall best graduating student (HND Science Laboratory Technology) with Cumulative Grade Points Average (CGPA) of 3.97 while Tijani Boluwatife Oluseyi (Animal Health and Production Technology) emerged overall the best graduate in the ND category with CGPA of 3.93.
The AG Vice Chancellor stressed that their knowledge and skills should serve as tools for transformation, urging them to “defy limits and prove doubters wrong” as they navigate life beyond the institution.
According to him, the world is in need of creative thinkers and problem-solvers, and the graduates must rise to that responsibility.
