President Bola Tinubu has called on graduates, academicians, and researchers to explore opportunities within his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at transforming all sectors of the Nigerian economy. 

Mr Tinubu, who serves as the visitor to the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto (UDUS), made the call during the university’s 42nd convocation and 50th anniversary celebration, on Saturday in Sokoto.

Represented by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, Mr Tinubu said that the initiatives under the Renewed Hope Agenda were carefully designed to harness development across sectors in the country.

Mr Tinubu said, “Various activities and policies have been put in place to address national challenges through transformative programmes.’’

He noted that fresh graduates and researchers were in a prime position to leverage those opportunities and contribute to national development.

Mr Tinubu stressed the government’s commitment to education, citing investments in students’ loans, research, medical education, and general infrastructure as evidence of prioritising human capital development.

He also highlighted the construction of major highways, including the Sokoto–Gusau–Funtua–Zaria and Sokoto–Badagry Expressways, describing them as monumental projects to boost socio-economic activities in the region.

Mr Tinubu reiterated his administration’s resolve to implement viable policies for national transformation and urged Nigerians to support government efforts for sustainable progress.

He also encouraged the university to continue its research in renewable energy and agricultural value chains, which had significantly contributed to national growth.

In his remarks, Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, said that his administration prioritised education, as reflected in increased budgetary allocations and various support initiatives.

He disclosed that indigent students had been sponsored for foreign studies in professional fields, while state institutions were being empowered to admit more local students.

He also noted that Sokoto offered free education from primary to tertiary levels.

The Chancellor of UDUS, Oba Rilwan Akiolu of Lagos, commended the university’s achievements over its five-decade history, saying it had excelled in teaching, research, and community service.

The monarch said, “The institution has earned national respect for its legacy of scholarship, discipline, and peace.’’

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Prof. Attahiru Jega, hailed the Federal Government’s support, especially through TETFund, which provided infrastructure such as lecture halls, laboratories, and classrooms.

Mr Jega stated, “As we mark this milestone, we move into the future guided by the lessons learned. With emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence reshaping life, we reaffirm our commitment to innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement.’’