National News – The Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Emem Usoro, speaking on Saturday at Akwa Ibom State University convocation in Ikot Akpaden, said ongoing monetary reforms and policy coordination with fiscal authorities have helped stabilise the naira and prevent a broader economic crisis.
She addressed graduating students, university leaders and dignitaries, including traditional rulers and senior government officials, while also receiving an honorary doctorate in Business Administration.
She argued that the bank’s alignment of monetary policy with federal fiscal reforms has improved exchange rate stability and strengthened macroeconomic management, insisting that these interventions were necessary to steer the economy away from volatility.
The event, held during the university’s combined convocation ceremony, also saw over 6,700 undergraduates and 746 postgraduate students graduate, drawing attention across Akwa Ibom and beyond.
While supporters within policy circles view the claims as evidence of recovery efforts, some Nigerians remain cautious, pointing to persistent inflation and cost-of-living pressures that continue to affect households.
She also stress the need for clearer communication on policy impacts to reduce public misunderstanding and skepticism.
Observers note that the CBN’s emphasis on youth-driven innovation and comparisons with resource-poor but developed economies like Singapore, Japan and South Korea reflects a long-term strategy to shift growth toward human capital.
However, critics argue that policy success must be felt more directly in everyday prices and employment.
The promised financial support to the university signals an attempt to strengthen research capacity, but analysts say sustained transparency and measurable outcomes will be key to public trust.
Local reaction in Akwa Ibom was mixed, with some students expressing optimism that closer collaboration between financial institutions and universities could open more funding opportunities for research, innovation and entrepreneurship, while others said the promises must translate into scholarships, jobs and improved living conditions after graduation.
Economic commentators also warn that policy messaging alone may not be enough unless matched with consistent data showing reduced inflation and stronger purchasing power for ordinary citizens across urban and rural Nigeria.
