In his address to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu emphasized that Nigerians have ample reasons to celebrate, citing significant improvements in access to healthcare, education, and other sectors since 1960.
Speaking during a national broadcast on Wednesday, Tinubu acknowledged the social, economic, and political challenges that have tested Nigeria’s independence. Despite these, he highlighted remarkable progress in economic growth, social cohesion, and infrastructure development.
He stated: “For decades, the promise of our Independence has been challenged, yet we have endured. While we may not have fully realized our forebearers’ dreams, we have not strayed far. Since 1960, Nigeria’s economy has grown significantly, and we have made strides in social cohesion and physical development.”
Tinubu noted that access to education and healthcare has improved markedly. At Independence, Nigeria had only 120 secondary schools with about 130,000 students, compared to over 23,000 secondary schools in 2024. Similarly, tertiary institutions have grown from just two—the University of Ibadan and Yaba College of Technology—in 1960, to 274 universities, 183 polytechnics, and 236 colleges of education by 2024.
He also highlighted growth in healthcare, infrastructure, financial services, manufacturing, telecommunications, IT, aviation, and defense. Reflecting on Nigeria’s challenges, including a civil war, military dictatorships, and political crises, Tinubu praised the nation’s resilience, stating, “We have weathered every storm with courage and determination.”
He concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive nation where every citizen can find purpose and fulfillment, despite ongoing challenges to its unity and values.
