Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, has called for massive industrialisation in Nigeria to address the growing unemployment challenges faced by graduates.
The Pro-Chancellor of the university, Dr Bode Ayorinde, made this assertion during the 14th convocation and 17th-anniversary celebration of the institution, held on campus on Saturday.
Ayorinde lamented that despite Nigeria’s abundance of natural resources and a vibrant youth population, the country continues to grapple with significant issues of unemployment, poverty, and insecurity.
He pointed out that with 275 universities and over 500 higher institutions in Nigeria producing more than a million graduates annually, the country faces a crisis of job scarcity. He emphasized that industrialization is the key to solving Nigeria’s economic problems.
“My choice of topic for this address stems from the alarming number of educated minds produced in Nigeria each year, many of whom graduate with little hope for employment,” he stated.
“The 275 universities and over 500 other higher institutions in Nigeria collectively graduate over a million students annually. Yet, there are no sufficient job opportunities to provide the necessary guidance and experience for these vibrant youths to contribute meaningfully to national development.”
Dr. Ayorinde further noted that industrialisation is the engine of development and has the potential to transform the economy, create jobs, drive innovation, and generate wealth. He cited industrialisation as the hallmark of progress for any advanced country, with the world’s great nations achieving economic success through industrialisation.
“We need to create an enabling environment that encourages entrepreneurship, innovation, and investment in key sectors,” he added.
“As a university, we understand our role in bridging the gap between education and industry. We are committed to producing graduates equipped with the skills, knowledge, and values necessary to thrive in an industrialised economy,” Dr. Ayorinde said.
He encouraged the 700 graduates present to become agents of change, advising them not to wait for opportunities but to create them.
He concluded that Nigeria’s future depends on its ability to dream big and take decisive action.
In her address, the Vice-Chancellor, Achievers University, Prof. Omolola Orinoye, shared the academic achievements of the 700 graduates.
She revealed that 71 students graduated with First-Class honours, 303 with Second Class Upper Division, 243 with Second Class Lower Division, and 35 with Third Class honours. Additionally, 46 postgraduate students from 17 academic programmes received their certificates.
Prof. Orinoye also highlighted that 319 students had benefitted from the university’s 12 tuition-free academic programmes, emphasising the institution’s commitment to making higher education accessible to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“The university’s Governing Council has approved a tuition scholarship range of 65 per cent to 80 per cent for UTME and Direct Entry candidates in 20 other academic programmes,” she said.