For decades, the promise of our Independence has been tested by profound social, economic, and political challenges, and we have survived. In 65 years since our Independence, we have made tremendous progress in economic growth, social cohesion, and physical development. At Independence, Nigeria had 120 secondary schools with a student population of about 130,000. At Independence, we had only the University of Ibadan and Yaba College of Technology as the two tertiary institutions in Nigeria. Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.