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President Bola Tinubu has hailed Nigeria’s progress in key sectors such as healthcare, technology, infrastructure, and defence since gaining independence 65 years ago, saying the country has recorded “a significant surge in growth across every sector of our national life.”
The President stated this in his national broadcast on Wednesday to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
While acknowledging that the nation has faced major trials, Tinubu said the journey since 1960 has also been marked by resilience and remarkable achievements.
“Although it is much easier for those whose vocation is to focus solely on what ought to be, we must recognise and celebrate our significant progress. Nigerians today have access to better education and healthcare than in 1960,” he said.
He noted that at independence, Nigeria had only two tertiary institutions, the University of Ibadan and Yaba College of Technology, compared to the 274 universities, 183 polytechnics, and 236 colleges of education spread across the country today.
“We have experienced a significant surge in growth across every sector of our national life since Independence, in healthcare, infrastructure, financial services, manufacturing, telecommunications, information technology, aviation and defence, among others,” Tinubu added.
The President described the nation’s endurance through crises, including the civil war, military rule, and recurring political upheavals, as proof of its determination to survive and thrive.
“For decades, the promise of our Independence has been tested by profound social, economic, and political challenges, and we have survived. While we may not have achieved all the lofty dreams of our forebearers, we have not strayed too far from them,” he declared.
Nigeria celebrated its 65th Independence Anniversary on 1 October 2025, with Tinubu delivering his third anniversary address since assuming office in May 2023.
Unlike previous years, the Federal Government cancelled the traditional military parade in Abuja, citing cost-saving and logistical reasons.
Tinubu’s remarks come at a time of renewed debate over his administration’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and foreign exchange unification, which have triggered inflation and hardship for many citizens.
While defending the reforms as necessary for long-term stability, the President used the anniversary broadcast to highlight the country’s broader achievements in nation-building since 1960, framing Nigeria as a nation that has endured challenges but continues to make progress.
