President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has acknowledged the difficult economic conditions Nigerians are facing and pleaded for patience as his administration implements reforms to stabilize the nation.
Speaking at the 48th convocation ceremony of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, the President, represented by Tope Fasua, Special Adviser on Economy in the Office of the Vice President, assured Nigerians of better days ahead.
“I am not unaware of the harsh economic situation of our country, neither do I take pleasure in inflicting pains and anguish on my compatriots,” Tinubu said.
He emphasized that the challenges stem from inherited liabilities and past policy missteps, adding that his government has embraced both the assets and liabilities of previous administrations without apportioning blame.
“We have gladly accepted the assets and liability of our heroes past without any intention of apportioning blames or pointing an accusing finger at any individual or group of people.
“As we are trying to fix, reconfigure and correct past mistakes and errors, we implore all Nigerians to cooperate with us, endure this unintentional hardship so that, like the graduates of today, we all can celebrate and be celebrated at the end of the day,” he said.
Tinubu reassured the audience of the positive outcome of his reform policies, stating, “I am certainly seeing the light at the end of our tunnel.”
Chancellor and Pro-Chancellor Address
The Chancellor of the university, Etsu Nupe Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, highlighted the critical role of education in national development.
“The backbone of every nation is its investment in education, which will drive its developmental drive among competing global nations,” he said.
Similarly, the Pro-Chancellor, Professor Siyan Oyeweso, urged the 977 postgraduate students to use their acquired knowledge to create opportunities for future generations.