Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Chancellor of Achievers University, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, CFR, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform initiatives in the education and security sectors, urging Nigerians to unite behind efforts aimed at driving sustainable development and national renewal.
Dogara made the call while delivering the Convocation Address at the 16th Convocation Ceremony of Achievers University, Owo, where he spoke on the theme, “Rethinking National Security for Sustainable Peace, Development and National Renewal.”
The former Speaker described education and security as critical foundations for nation-building, noting that the Tinubu administration has taken important steps to expand educational opportunities and strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.
He particularly praised the Federal Government’s Student Loan Programme under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), saying the initiative has provided thousands of Nigerian youths with access to higher education regardless of their financial circumstances.
According to Dogara, investing in education remains one of the most effective strategies for empowering young people and preparing them to contribute meaningfully to national growth and development.
He also applauded government efforts aimed at improving the welfare of university lecturers, describing quality education as indispensable to the country’s progress and future competitiveness.
Speaking on security, Dogara said no nation can achieve meaningful economic development without guaranteeing the safety of lives and property. He emphasized that security remains the foundation upon which investment, agriculture, commerce and social stability thrive.
While acknowledging that insecurity remains a challenge, he commended the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to tackle terrorism, insurgency, banditry and kidnapping through enhanced military operations, intelligence-driven interventions and strengthened coordination among security agencies.
He noted that recent measures, including the expansion of security personnel recruitment and efforts to secure forested and rural communities, demonstrate government’s determination to create safer environments for citizens and businesses.
Dogara urged Nigerians to support these efforts through active citizenship, community cooperation and a shared commitment to national unity.
“Government alone cannot achieve lasting security and development. Every citizen has a role to play in building a peaceful, prosperous and united Nigeria,” he said.
The former Speaker stressed that national development requires collaboration among government, traditional institutions, faith-based organisations, educational institutions, the private sector and civil society groups.
As Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited, Dogara also highlighted the importance of creating an enabling environment where businesses can access opportunities, investments can flourish and entrepreneurs can contribute to economic expansion and job creation.
He noted that sustainable economic growth depends largely on peace, stability and confidence in public institutions.
Addressing the graduating students, Dogara challenged them to become agents of positive change by applying their knowledge, skills and talents toward solving societal problems and advancing national development.
He urged the graduates to embrace integrity, innovation and service as they embark on the next phase of their lives.
“If you become a lawyer, serve justice. If you become a doctor, serve life. If you become an engineer, build what our country needs. If you become an entrepreneur, create opportunities and jobs for others,” he said.
The former Speaker expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, describing the country as a resilient nation blessed with abundant human and natural resources capable of achieving greater heights through visionary leadership and collective effort.
He called on citizens to remain hopeful and support ongoing reforms designed to strengthen institutions, expand opportunities and improve the welfare of the people.
Dogara concluded by congratulating the graduating students and encouraging them to use their education as a tool for service, leadership and national transformation.
The convocation ceremony attracted members of the university’s Governing Council, management, staff, alumni, parents and other dignitaries who gathered to celebrate the achievements of the graduating class and reaffirm Achievers University’s commitment to producing future leaders for Nigeria and beyond.