Dogara says Nigeria’s insecurity predates Tinubu’s administration

By Boye Oyeyemi

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, has said Nigeria’s security challenges predate President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting that terrorism, banditry and other forms of violence did not begin in 2023.

Dogara, who is the Chancellor of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, spoke on Saturday at the institution’s 16th convocation ceremony, where 836 students graduated.

He attributed the country’s worsening security challenges to several longstanding factors, including porous borders, the proliferation of illegal arms, youth unemployment and the spread of extremist ideologies.

“Insecurity in Nigeria did not begin with this administration. This is no excuse, because the facts need no defence,” Dogara said.

He added that terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence had deep-rooted causes that existed long before Tinubu assumed office in May 2023. However, he noted that the president had consistently identified national security as a major responsibility of his administration.

Dogara also congratulated the graduating students, urging them to deploy their talents, creativity and innovative ideas towards addressing the country’s challenges. He said Nigeria needed the contributions of young graduates to drive national development.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Bode Ayorinde, said Nigeria had made significant progress in expanding access to higher education, with 312 universities operating in the country as of June 2026. He, however, questioned whether the expansion was translating into meaningful employment opportunities for graduates.

Similarly, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Omolola Irinoye, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to providing quality university education through intellectual development, practical skills acquisition, character building and social responsibility.