Insecurity predates Tinubu, Dogara tells Achievers University graduands
- Yakubu Dogara said terrorism, banditry and kidnapping took root in Nigeria long before 2023.
- He spoke at Achievers University, Owo, where 836 graduands received qualifications.
- The university's pro-chancellor warned that graduate jobs are not keeping pace with new universities.
Former House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara has said Nigeria's security crisis did not start with President Bola Tinubu's government, pointing to years of porous borders, illegal arms and youth unemployment as its roots.
Dogara spoke at the 16th convocation of Achievers University, Owo, in Ondo State, where he is chancellor. The ceremony had 836 graduands receiving various academic qualifications.
"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," he said.
He listed illegal arms proliferation and the spread of extremist ideologies among the causes, saying the problems developed over several years before the current government took office. He added that the government had consistently identified national security as a top priority.
For ordinary Nigerians, the issue matters because safety on roads, farms and in schools affects whether people travel, trade or send their children to school. It also weighs on food prices, as attacks can disrupt farming and trade.
Graduates and the jobs question
The university's Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Bode Ayorinde, raised a different concern: the employment prospects of graduates. He cited figures from the National Universities Commission (NUC) showing 312 universities in Nigeria as of June 2026: 77 federal, 67 state and 168 private.
Ayorinde said the growth represents a big investment in people by parents, government and lecturers, but said deliberate steps are needed to create opportunities for graduates after school.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Omolola Irinoye said the university combines intellectual growth with practical skills, character building and social responsibility. She said it runs flexible payment plans and scholarships, including full tuition in 17 programmes, 80 per cent in five, 70 per cent in five others and 65 per cent in four engineering programmes.
She said there were 98 First Class graduates for the academic session, crediting quality assurance, staff development and a good learning environment.
Dogara urged the graduands to use their talents, creativity and innovation for national development.
What happens next
The graduands enter a labour market where job creation has not kept pace with the growing number of universities, a concern Ayorinde said needs deliberate action.
