The Kwara State Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, has emphasised the critical role of higher education in tackling poverty, urging Nigerians to embrace university education as a strategic tool for economic empowerment.
He made this known while delivering the second matriculation lecture of the African School of Economics (ASE), Abuja, on April 8, 2026.
Olohungbebe noted that no country has successfully reduced poverty on a sustainable basis without deliberate investment in an inclusive and innovation-driven higher education system. He added that universities must go beyond awarding degrees to producing graduates equipped to drive national development.
According to him, higher education remains a powerful pathway for both personal advancement and societal transformation, particularly in addressing the “poverty trap,” which he described as a cycle of low productivity, low income, and limited investment.
He explained that universities can break this cycle by instilling values, leadership capacity, and entrepreneurial skills, as well as promoting research and innovation targeted at solving local problems.
The Commissioner, however, pointed out several constraints affecting the impact of higher education in Nigeria, including outdated curricula that do not align with labour market needs, poor funding of research and infrastructure, weak collaboration between academic institutions and industry, and inadequate focus on practical skills.
He commended the African School of Economics for its emphasis on enterprise development, innovation, and support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), noting that its model promotes employability and aligns education with real-world demands.
Olohungbebe further advised students to cultivate financial discipline, avoid excessive debt, build professional networks, and acquire future-oriented, high-income skills to escape poverty.
“The 21st-century university must not only educate minds but also equip hands, sharpen judgement, and inspire enterprise,” he said.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, reiterated the institution’s commitment to producing well-rounded graduates through its Total Education model, which integrates academic excellence with technical, professional, and entrepreneurial training.
He cited figures from the State of the Youth Report 2025, indicating that Nigeria has about 80 million unemployed youths, produces 1.7 million graduates annually, and has over 82.9 million people living in poverty.
Adedimeji said the figures highlight the urgent need for universities to prioritise financial independence and job creation among graduates.
Addressing the newly admitted students, he urged them to make effective use of their time, noting that their present efforts would determine their future outcomes.
Founder of the institution, Prof. Leonard Wantchekon, also spoke on the university’s strides in strengthening the capacity of young Africans and positioning them for global competitiveness.
Meanwhile, the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, represented by Alhaji Najeem Jimoh and Prof. Tunde Akanni, congratulated the students and encouraged diligence in their studies.
The matriculation ceremony featured the administration of the oath of allegiance on the new students and the presentation of an award to the guest lecturer by the Chairman of the Board of Directors, Mr. Obinna Obiwulu.