Nigerians have been urged to take university education seriously because no nation has sustainably reduced poverty without investing strategically in an all-inclusive and innovative-driven higher education system.
This call was made by the Kwara State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, while delivering the second matriculation lecture of the African School of Economics (The Pan-African University of Excellence), Abuja, on Wednesday, April 8, 2026 at the University Auditorium.
According to the Commissioner, who is also the Chairman of State Commissioners of Education in Nigeria, higher education has historically been a pathway to personal advancement but it must today also serve as a driver of national development and a weapon against poverty.
While identifying poverty trap a mixed bag of low productivity and low income that bring about no savings and no investment, the Matriculation Lecturer noted that university education plays a crucial role in poverty eradication through values, ethics and leadership, knowledge and skills for economic productivity, entrepreneurship and job creation, research and innovation for local action as well as equity and access.
Apart from highlighting the challenges limiting the impact of university education as mismatch between curriculum and labour market needs, underfunding of research and infrastructure, weak linkages between academia and industry as well as emphasis on practical and technical skills, the Commissioner commended the African School of Economics for its emphasis of developing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) with inclusive growth, focus on innovation and enterprise development, support for employment generation, bridging the gap between education and labour market and its promotion of graduate training that aligns with real world relevance.
While advocating financial literacy, avoidance of unnecessary debt, building strong professional networks and development of high income, future-proof skills as strategies of escaping poverty trap, Dr Olohungbebe emphasised that the 21st century university must not just educate minds, it must also equip hands, sharpen judgement and ignite enterprise which he considered as strong areas of the education provided by African School of Economics based on his research.
Earlier in his address, captioned “Your Present is your Present”, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, disclosed that African School of Economics was conceived to be a game changer in its approach to education as it priotises complete human capacity development through intensive training in academic, technical, professional and entrepreneurial skills. Its approach is complemented by its network of partners in North America, Europe, Asia and some African countries like Benin Republic, Cote d’Ivoire and Zanzibar.
The Vice Chancellor cited statistics provided by the State of the Youth Report 2025 to note that some 80 million Nigerian youth are unemployed and Nigeria produces 1.7 million graduates annually while 82.9 million Nigerians are living in poverty. He stressed that this situation compels the need for universities to prepare students for financial independence upon graduation, which is the operational blueprint of the university through its Total Education model and the scenario provided the background for the choice of the theme of the matriculation lecture.
Prof. Adedimeji, who earlier served as Vice Chancellor of Ahman Pategi University, Patigi, Kwara state, congratulated the students and urged them to utilise their time wisely because how they spend their present lays the foundation for what their future would look like. He encouraged them to avail themselves of the opportunities offered by the university not only to learn but also to yearn and earn income through the 21st century skills being provided at the University.
According to the Vice Chancellor, “the moment you have now or the opportunity of life you enjoy is your gift or present to transform your world. Your present or presence here is a gift that has been denied other people like you. Use it well on your studies and preparation before your present becomes past. Commit yourselves fully to your primary assignment in the university as that is the key to your success and avoid distractors or distractions.”
In his remarks, the founder of the university, Prof. Leonard Wantcheckon, highlighted the achievements the university has recorded in boosting the capacity of young Africans and making them competitive in the world of graduate studies and work. He also commended the management of the university in translating his vision into an unfolding reality.
In his goodwill message, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Emeritus Is-haq Oloyede, who was represented by Alhaji Najeem Jimoh and Prof. Tunde Akanni, congratulated the matriculating students and advised them to study well in order to achieve their dreams.
Highlights of the occasion included the administration of the matriculation oath on the new students by the Vice Chancellor and the presentation of award to the Guest Speaker by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr Obinna Obiwulu, on behalf of the University.