“Why Dr. Ogbuku Says Nigerian Universities Are Failing — And His Warning to Graduates”
By Paul Ebi
OTUOKE, BAYELSA — The Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, has called for an urgent overhaul of Nigeria’s university system, insisting that the country cannot advance if its institutions continue to produce graduates “with certificates but without competence.”
Delivering the Convocation Lecture at the Federal University Otuoke on Thursday, Dr. Ogbuku said it was a “valued privilege” to speak at a time when Nigeria’s education system faces growing concerns over relevance, quality, and innovation.
He stressed that universities must evolve from traditional degree-awarding centres into true engines of problem-solving, capable of shaping thinkers, innovators, solution-builders, and globally competitive graduates.
> “Our nation cannot progress if our graduates leave school with certificates but without the critical thinking, creativity, and digital skills required today,” he said.
“Education is our strongest tool — but only if we invest in it”
Dr. Ogbuku lamented the chronic underfunding and structural challenges facing Nigerian universities: outdated libraries, overcrowded classrooms, obsolete facilities, and academic promotion systems that reward publications rather than real-world impact.
He argued for a complete re-engineering of university curricula, rooted in innovation, creativity, and practical problem-solving.
He proposed that:
Capstone projects should directly target real challenges in communities, industries, and government.
Entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems must be strengthened across campuses.
Nigerian universities should shift from consuming global innovations to developing local solutions and building domestic manufacturing capacity.
Niger Delta universities ‘must lead the charge’
Speaking on the unique role of universities in the Niger Delta, Dr. Ogbuku highlighted environmental challenges including oil spills, gas flaring, flooding, and biodiversity loss.
He asserted that institutions in the region must be at the forefront of producing scientific, technological, and policy solutions tailored to these issues.
> “The future belongs to problem-solvers. Your degree is not a trophy — it is a tool,” he told the graduating students.“Lifelong learning is now a necessity, not an option.”
NDDC announces major infrastructure support for FUO
As part of the Commission’s ongoing intervention in tertiary education, Dr. Ogbuku announced:
A 5km internal road network contract awarded within the Federal University Otuoke campus.
Plans to build a modern convocation arena.
A proposed five-star Corpers’ Lodge to enhance living and working conditions for National Youth Service Corps members.
In a personal gesture, he also pledged to endow two professorial chairs — one in honour of his late father, and another dedicated to advancing cancer research.
Congratulations to the new Chancellor and graduating class
Dr. Ogbuku congratulated the university community, its leadership, and the newly installed Chancellor, Dr. Elaigwu Odogbo Obagaji, describing the convocation as a “milestone moment” for the institution.
To the new graduates, he offered a powerful charge:
> “Go forth and solve problems — Nigeria needs you.”
