In a stirring national broadcast marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hailed the country’s remarkable progress in key sectors including healthcare, technology, and defence, describing the journey since 1960 as one of resilience, transformation, and national pride.
Reflecting on the nation’s evolution, President Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria has “experienced a significant surge in growth across every sector of our national life,” citing improvements in education, infrastructure, financial services, manufacturing, telecommunications, aviation, and especially health, tech, and defence.
“Nigerians today have access to better education and healthcare than in 1960,” Tinubu stated. “At independence, we had only two tertiary institutions. Today, we boast 274 universities, 183 polytechnics, and 236 colleges of education nationwide.”
In the healthcare sector, the President noted expanded access to medical services, improved infrastructure, and a growing pool of trained professionals. He credited these advancements to sustained investments and policy reforms aimed at strengthening public health systems.
On technology, Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s emergence as a digital powerhouse in Africa, with thriving innovation hubs, increased internet penetration, and a booming tech startup ecosystem. He praised the youth for driving digital transformation and positioning Nigeria as a leader in fintech and software development.
Defence was also spotlighted as a sector of strategic growth. Tinubu acknowledged the modernization of Nigeria’s armed forces, enhanced training, and acquisition of advanced equipment, which have bolstered national security and peacekeeping capabilities.
“For decades, the promise of our independence has been tested by profound social, economic, and political challenges, and we have survived,” Tinubu said. “While we may not have achieved all the lofty dreams of our forebearers, we have not strayed too far from them.”
The President’s address comes amid ongoing economic reforms and social investment programs, which he defended as necessary for long-term stability. He urged Nigerians to remain united and optimistic, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to building a prosperous and inclusive future.