By Peter Adelowo
The Speaker House of Representatives, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas says Nigeria does not need passive observers but thinkers and builders to drive the country’s growth and development.
Abbas stated this while delivering a Convocation Lecture at the Federal University of Technology (FUT), Minna, Niger State
The speaker explained that strategic adoption and implementation of technological solutions can transition Nigeria from its current crises toward a trajectory of sustainable prosperity.
He noted that there is “an erosion of technical skills essential for industrial development in many university
According to the Speaker, graduates find themselves pursuing vocational skills after graduation, such as hairdressing, makeup artistry, and catering, which could have been more comprehensively acquired through technical education.
Abbas decried the declining quality of graduates from Nigerian universities, saying it is a reflection of broader systemic issues, particularly the insufficient number and lack of quality of academic staff.
The Speaker also pointed out a shortage of qualified academic staff, which he said is further exacerbated by inadequate remuneration and limited opportunities for professional development.
He said stricter enforcement of ethical standards and the implementation of transparent evaluation systems could help curb academic corruption and restore the integrity of Nigerian universities.
The Speaker added that Nigerian universities face chronic underfunding, which has severely impacted infrastructure, research capabilities, and overall educational quality in the country
