By Sabiu Abdullahi
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has said Nigeria’s security challenges did not begin under President Bola Tinubu, noting that terrorism, insurgency, banditry and other forms of violence had existed in the country long before the current administration assumed office in May 2023.
Dogara, who is the Chancellor of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, made the remarks on Saturday during the institution’s 16th convocation ceremony, where 836 graduands received various academic qualifications.
He attributed the country’s persistent security problems to years of porous borders, the proliferation of illegal arms, 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,” Dogara said.
He stressed that the challenges had developed over several years and were deeply rooted before Tinubu became president.
However, the former Speaker acknowledged that national security remained a major responsibility of the Tinubu administration, noting that the President had consistently identified it as a priority.
Dogara also congratulated the graduating students, urging them to recognise the importance of their talents, creativity and innovation in addressing the country’s challenges.
Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Professor Bode Ayorinde, said Nigeria had made considerable progress in expanding access to tertiary education but expressed concern about the employment and career opportunities available to graduates after leaving school.
Citing figures from the National Universities Commission, Ayorinde disclosed that Nigeria had 312 universities as of June 2026. The institutions comprised 77 federal universities, 67 state-owned universities and 168 private universities.
He described the figures as evidence of significant investment in human capital development, involving sacrifices by parents, governments and lecturers, but questioned whether the country was creating sufficient opportunities to absorb the growing number of graduates.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Omolola Irinoye, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to quality education, saying the university had continued to combine intellectual development with practical skills, character building and social responsibility since its establishment.
The Daily Reality
