President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming Nigeria through sweeping reforms in security, education, infrastructure, energy and transportation, describing the initiatives as the foundation for long-term national prosperity.
Speaking at the third General Hassan Usman Katsina Memorial Conference in Kaduna on Saturday, the Nigerian leader said his government remains focused on delivering policies that strengthen national development while preserving the vision of the country’s founding leaders. Tinubu was represented at the event by his Special Assistant on Political Matters, Ibrahim Masari.
Addressing security concerns, the President expressed confidence that the country’s fight against insecurity, particularly in Northern Nigeria, is making progress. He said the government is working relentlessly to restore peace and stability, stressing that improved security remains a top priority for economic growth and national unity.
Tinubu also highlighted significant achievements in the education sector, pointing to the expansion of access to higher education through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). According to him, more than one million students have already benefited from the student loan programme, easing financial barriers for young Nigerians seeking university education.
The President said his administration has introduced additional reforms aimed at strengthening tertiary institutions. These include removing universities from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), restoring deductions previously made from their internally generated revenues, and increasing investments through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).
He added that government funding has supported the construction and renovation of classrooms, student hostels, research facilities and science laboratories, while a new national curriculum and expanded technical and vocational education programmes are expected to equip students with practical skills needed in a modern economy.
Tinubu further disclosed that new federal universities and polytechnics have been established across several states to improve access to quality education and increase opportunities for young people.
On infrastructure, the President outlined several ongoing road projects designed to improve transportation, regional connectivity and economic activity.
These include the reconstruction of the Abuja–Kaduna–Zaria–Kano Expressway, the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, the Sokoto–Zamfara–Kaduna Road and the 434-kilometre Akwanga–Jos–Bauchi–Gombe Road.
In the energy sector, Tinubu said the government is investing in projects to improve electricity supply, particularly across Northern Nigeria. Among the projects are the Kaduna Power Station, the 40-megawatt Kumbotso High Voltage Power Project, rural solar mini-grid initiatives and the revitalisation of the 215-megawatt Kaduna Power Plant.
He also announced that the College of Petroleum and Energy Studies in Kaduna has been upgraded into a university named after the late General Hassan Usman Katsina. According to the President, the institution is over 90 percent complete and has already begun academic activities.
Tinubu revealed that construction is progressing on the 1,350-megawatt Gwagwalada Independent Power Plant, while renewable energy projects are also advancing in Kaduna and neighbouring states as part of efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s energy capacity.
The President further highlighted developments in the transport sector, saying work is advancing on the Kaduna–Kano Rail Line and the Kano–Maradi Rail Project. Funding has also been committed to the Kaduna and Kano light rail systems, while rehabilitation of the Abuja Metro Rail is underway.
He noted that the Federal Government has approved the upgrade of the Abuja–Kaduna train service to improve the movement of passengers and goods, supporting trade and economic activities.
Beyond infrastructure, Tinubu said his administration is implementing reforms in agriculture, food security, youth empowerment and social welfare, with the goal of creating jobs, boosting productivity and improving living standards.
Calling for national unity, the President urged Nigerians to support government efforts to build a peaceful, secure and economically prosperous nation, insisting that the ongoing reforms are designed to deliver lasting benefits for future generations.
