Certificates Are Not Enough for Economic Growth, Graduates Must Apply Skills, Says Minister Tijani

Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, stated on Saturday that academic qualifications alone cannot fulfil the nation’s aspirations for a robust economy, as envisioned under President Bola Tinubu's leadership.

Tijani emphasised the critical need for Nigerian graduates to actively apply the competencies and knowledge gained during their studies to address societal challenges and enhance the country’s economic advancement and welfare.

He delivered these remarks in his keynote address at the 35th convocation ceremony of Olabisi Onabanjo University, located in Ago Iwoye, Ogun State.

Addressing the graduating students, Tijani remarked, “While the certificates you are receiving are significant, they should not represent the final achievement, as our nation’s progress hinges not merely on certificates but on the practical application of knowledge and productive skills cultivated in institutions like Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye.”

The minister encouraged the graduates to view their university degrees as instruments for creating positive societal impact and uplifting humanity.

He elaborated, “What you are leaving with is a tool; a tool that must compel you to take impact as your responsibility. You should not assume that graduation marks the end of your journey; rather, you should see it as your deployment to make a difference in society.

“Your task is to go forth, identify a problem within your community, and utilise the skills you have acquired to resolve it, thereby benefiting the global community.

“Strive to make an impact; use your educational background and university- acquired skills to improve the world.”

Tijani observed that Nigeria's primary challenge is not a lack of ambition but rather a deficit in productivity, asserting that a thriving economy is built upon the purposeful application of skills.

He explained, “When farmers, educators, engineers, and public servants elevate the standards of their work, society improves. Nigeria’s prosperity will stem not solely from policy decisions but from the concerted efforts of millions of Nigerians who apply their skills with intention and purpose.

The minister called upon Nigerian universities to maintain their commitment to delivering high-quality education that is responsive to contemporary societal needs and supports the administration's objective of achieving a $1 trillion economy.

Tijani highlighted that no economy globally has achieved rapid growth without its universities and the calibre of their graduates being relevant.

“When a university aligns its educational offerings and teaching methods with the actual needs of society, prosperity becomes a natural outcome, rather than just a distant goal,” he stated.

He announced a contribution of a digital laboratory to the university, aimed at further fostering excellence in technological education.

During the convocation, Governor Dapo Abiodun reiterated his administration's dedication to ensuring accessible, quality education for all state residents.

Abiodun stressed that sustained investment in the education sector is crucial for securing the state’s future.

In his address, the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, reported that a total of 5,808 undergraduates were graduating. Among them, 147 earned First Class honours, 2,051 achieved Second Class Upper Division, 2,927 secured Second Class Lower Division, 571 obtained Third Class degrees, 26 received a Pass Grade, and 86 had unclassified degrees from the medical programme.

Agboola also mentioned that the university, currently ranked 16th among 321 institutions nationwide, has consistently maintained 100 per cent accreditation for its courses and has introduced nine new academic programmes, comprising seven undergraduate and two postgraduate offerings.

The vice chancellor further announced the conferment of Emeritus Professor status upon three distinguished academics.

These individuals are Prof. Adewale Sule-Odu, a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Prof. Adetola Olatunji, former Provost of the Obafemi Awolowo College of Health Sciences; and Prof. Sheriffdeen Tella, an Economics professor and a well-known columnist for The Punch newspapers.