In his address, delivered by Rakiya Iliyasu, the Director of Tertiary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Tinubu emphasized that this initiative reflects his administration's dedication to improving educational infrastructure and workforce development.
He noted that the federal government has provided over N104 billion in loans to more than 600,000 students enrolled in tertiary institutions through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND).
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration's commitment to cultivating a knowledge-based society, placing education at the forefront of its policies and funding strategies.
He encouraged universities to strengthen partnerships with industries, ensuring that research aligns with societal needs to significantly contribute to national progress.
The president congratulated the graduates for their perseverance and determination, urging them to approach this new phase of their lives with confidence and purpose.
The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Faruk Adamu-Kuta, characterized the 42nd Founders’ Day and 33rd Convocation Ceremony as a momentous occasion.
He highlighted the university's evolution into a premier institution for technological education in Nigeria, ranking 8th among the best universities in the country and 2nd among specialized universities.
Governor Umaru Bago of Niger expressed his appreciation to the university for awarding him a Doctorate Degree in Agriculture, stating that it serves as an impetus for further contributions to the sector.
He emphasized his dedication to working alongside individuals to ensure that education is accessible to all citizens of the state and encouraged the university to maintain its leadership in training and innovative research.
Bago called for enhanced collaboration with the state government to secure the institution's sustainability through agricultural initiatives.
The governor contributed N100 million to the endowment fund initiated by Sen. Muhammad Sani-Musa, who also made a donation of N200 million.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the university graduated a total of 5,816 students for the 2023/2024 academic year, which includes 4,955 undergraduates, 632 master's degree recipients, 105 postgraduate diploma holders, and 124 individuals who earned PhDs.