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.
The Commissioner identified several challenges limiting the impact of university education, including the mismatch between curricula and labour market needs, underfunding of research and infrastructure, and weak linkages between academia and industry. He also noted the insufficient emphasis on practical and technical skills as a major constraint.
Despite these challenges, he commended the African School of Economics for its strong focus on the development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), promotion of inclusive growth, and commitment to innovation and enterprise development.
He further praised the institution for supporting employment generation, bridging the gap between education and the labour market, and promoting 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, titled “Your Present is Your Present,” the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, stated that the African School of Economics was conceived as a game changer in its approach to education, as it prioritises holistic human capacity development through intensive training in academic, technical, professional and entrepreneurial skills.
He added that this approach is strengthened by the institution’s network of partners across North America, Europe, Asia, and several African countries, including Benin Republic, Côte 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. Mahfouz Adedimeji, a former Vice Chancellor of Ahman Pategi University, Patigi, Kwara State, has congratulated newly admitted students and urged them to make effective use of their time, noting that how they utilise their present will shape their future.
He encouraged the students to take full advantage of the opportunities provided by the university, not only to acquire knowledge but also to develop relevant 21st-century skills that will enable them to earn income and build sustainable careers.
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.
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