President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in a national broadcast on October 1, 2025, commemorated Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day by reflecting on the country’s challenges and achievements while urging citizens to embrace resilience and unity.
Nigeria’s Journey Since 1960
Tinubu reminded Nigerians of the nation’s turbulent path since independence, marked by economic hardship, political crises, and social upheavals. He stressed that despite these obstacles, the country has continued to record meaningful growth.
“We’ve encountered many trials, but resilience has fueled our progress,” Tinubu said, noting improvements in manufacturing, defense, and telecommunications.
Expanding Access to Education
The president celebrated the rapid growth of Nigeria’s education sector.
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In 1960, the country had just 120 secondary schools with about 130,000 students.
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Today, there are more than 23,000 secondary schools.
Higher education has also grown remarkably. From two institutions at independence — University of Ibadan and Yaba College — the nation now boasts:
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274 universities
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183 polytechnics
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236 colleges of education (as of 2024)
According to Tinubu, this growth is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to human capital development.
Health and Infrastructure Advancements
Tinubu highlighted notable progress in healthcare compared to the early post-independence years. He added that financial services, aviation, and information technology have all improved significantly, offering Nigerians broader opportunities.
“Today, Nigerians have access to better services and prospects than ever before,” he affirmed.
Lessons From the Past
Reflecting on Nigeria’s civil war, years of military dictatorship, and repeated political instability, Tinubu stressed that the country has remained united through determination.
“We have weathered many storms with courage,” he said, urging citizens to reject divisive tendencies.
Commitment to a United Future
Tinubu pledged his administration’s dedication to building a nation where every citizen finds purpose and dignity.
“Our mission is to nurture a united country where all Nigerians can flourish,” he declared.
Why the Speech Matters
The 65th Independence Day broadcast reinforced Nigeria’s resilience while acknowledging ongoing challenges. It also set a hopeful tone for the future, encouraging collective action to strengthen unity, democracy, and national development.
