A former speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, says Nigeria’s security challenges predate the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Mr Dogara, the chancellor of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, made the assertion at the institution’s 16th convocation ceremony, where 836 graduands received various academic qualifications.

He said terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence had been entrenched in the country long before the current administration assumed office in May 2023.

According to him, the nation’s security problems are rooted in years of porous borders, illegal arms proliferation, high 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,” Mr Dogara said.

He explained that the security situation developed over several years, stressing that its roots went deep long before the current government took over.

Mr Dogara, however, noted that Mr Tinubu had consistently identified national security as a top priority and major responsibility of his administration.

The chancellor charged the graduands to deploy their talents, creativity and innovation toward national development.

Speaking, the university’s pro-chancellor, Bode Ayorinde, acknowledged progress in expanding access to tertiary education but expressed concern about graduates’ job prospects.

Mr Ayorinde cited figures from the National Universities Commission (NUC), which put the number of universities in Nigeria at 312 as of June 2026, comprising 77 federal, 67 state-owned, and 168 private institutions.

He said although the growth represented a huge investment in human capital by parents, governments and lecturers, deliberate efforts must be made to create viable opportunities for graduates after school.

In her address, the vice-chancellor of the institution, Omolola Irinoye, reiterated the university’s commitment to providing quality education that combines intellectual growth, practical skills, character building and social responsibility.

(NAN)