Tinubu Urges Universities to Develop Technology-Based Solutions for Security Challenges

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerian universities to create technological tools that will improve the detection and monitoring of security threats across the country.

Speaking on Saturday at the combined 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th, and 31st convocation ceremony of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM), Tinubu emphasized the need for technology-driven security solutions.

Represented by Tanko Ishaya, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jos, the president noted that combating insecurity in the 21st century has evolved beyond physical pursuits by armed security personnel tracking criminals.

He stated that the world has advanced to a stage where Nigerian universities must play a role in developing technologies to address persistent security challenges.

“My administration is also not unaware of the security challenges faced by this university and is determined to continue to do its best to make all institutions of learning across the country conducive and safe for all learners and managers of educational institutions.

“Let me throw a challenge to our academics who need to work and develop tools and materials necessary to enhance the detection and tracking of security breaches to make our country safe.

“The combat of insecurity in the 21st century has gone beyond the physical running around by security operatives carrying guns to trace crime perpetrators.

“Our universities should therefore be engaged in research aimed at the production and utilisation of drones and other technology-driven solutions to help combat the menace of insecurity on our campuses and beyond.

“The Nigerian military is doing an excellent job in this direction, and we shall continue to support them in all ramifications,” he said.

Tinubu assured that his administration would keep prioritizing education by increasing funding through capital allocations and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.

He urged university administrators to ensure transparency and efficiency in the use of available resources.

The president described universities of agriculture as specialized institutions that must align with his administration’s agricultural and livestock transformation initiatives to maximize impact.

“The concept of agriculture as a food producing tool cannot continue to be relegated to the subsistence level if we are to ensure food security for our people.

“Commercial and mechanised agriculture must become our way of life.

“The training of manpower in agriculture, collaboration with organisations, and the development and release of improved crop varieties by the university should be consistent to align with the policy of my administration to tackle and address national food insecurity.

“The title of the convocation lecture, ‘The Complex Relationship Between Insecurity and Food Systems in Nigeria,’ is well chosen to enlighten everyone on the menace of food shortfalls and its complexities.

“Once again, I commend the various collaborators who have continued to interface with the university toward the actualisation of the federal government agenda for national self-sufficiency in food production and job creation and enjoin you to do even better,” he said.

Tinubu praised JOSTUM’s management for implementing innovative developments despite the global economic downturn and prevailing insecurity in Nigeria and beyond.

He emphasized that the federal government acknowledges education and security as fundamental tools for societal growth and progress.

The president congratulated the graduates, urging them to apply their knowledge in modern agricultural practices to generate wealth and create job opportunities for young people.