By Isiaka Mustapha, Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has cautioned Nigerians against blaming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the country’s persistent security challenges, arguing that terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence existed long before the current administration assumed office in May 2023.

Dogara, who is the Chancellor of Achievers University, Owo, Ondo State, made the remarks at the institution’s 16th convocation ceremony, where 836 graduands received various academic qualifications.

He maintained that Nigeria’s security crisis was the result of years of accumulated challenges, including porous borders, the proliferation of illegal arms, youth unemployment and the spread of extremist ideologies.

According to him, it would be historically inaccurate to suggest that the country’s security challenges began under Tinubu, noting that terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence had been deeply rooted in Nigeria long before 2023.

“Insecurity in Nigeria did not begin with this administration. This is no excuse, because the facts need no defence. Terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence did not arrive in 2023,” Dogara said.

He stressed that Nigeria’s security challenges had evolved over several years and could not reasonably be attributed to a single administration, particularly given the historical and structural factors responsible for their persistence.

Dogara, however, acknowledged that national security remained a major responsibility of the Tinubu administration. He also congratulated the graduands and urged them to apply their knowledge, creativity and innovative abilities to addressing the country’s developmental challenges.

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Bode Ayorinde, acknowledged the expansion of access to tertiary education in Nigeria but expressed concern about the employment prospects and opportunities available to graduates after completing their studies.

Ayorinde cited figures from the National Universities Commission, which indicated that Nigeria had 312 universities as of June 2026, comprising 77 federal, 67 state-owned and 168 private institutions.

He described the growing number of universities as evidence of substantial investment in human capital development, noting the sacrifices made by parents, governments and lecturers to produce skilled graduates. However, he questioned whether the country had created sufficient opportunities to absorb the increasing number of university graduates.

In her remarks, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Omolola Irinoye, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to providing quality education. She explained that the university had remained focused on combining intellectual development, practical skills, character building and social responsibility since its establishment.