President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has acknowledged the challenges facing Nigerian universities, saying that the federal government is working tirelessly to address them.
Tinubu, while speaking during the 24th combined convocation of the University of Maiduguri held in Maiduguri on Saturday, noted that the only way to address issues with unions is through dialogue.
“The government can’t do it alone, we are open to dialogue, the only way to address issues with the unions to move the education sector forward, is through dialogue,” he said.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Tinubu said it’s time for the academia to return to research and have breakthroughs in science and technology to compete favourably globally.
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He also emphasized the need for private sector involvement in education development and urged university alumni to contribute to their alma mater.
Shettima criticized the frequency of strikes in the tertiary education sector and urged the pursuit of constructive dialogue and negotiations over industrial disputes.
He encouraged students to avoid social misconduct and to commit to their studies to qualify for graduation.
Our correspondent reports that Shettima inaugurated the N1billion Abdulsamad Rabiu International Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Maiduguri.
The new UNIMAID chancellor, His Eminence Emir of Lafiya, Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad (rtd), who was inaugurated on Friday, presented the degrees and promotions.
Four graduates of the university were conferred honourary degrees including the vice president; His Eminence, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Ibn Garbai Elkanemi, Chairman BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu and Dahiru Bobbo who all bagged honourary doctorates.
Also, three Professors who have served the university for more than 40 years were promoted to the rank of emeritus including Professors Emeritus, Abubakar Mustapha, Mohammed Yerima and Bamidele Badejo.
Dignitaries at events include; SFG, Senator George Akume, Governors Babagana Zulum, Mai Mala Buni, Abdullahi Sule, Kefas, Agbu, and Borno State Deputy Governor, Usman Kadaful.
Others include Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abu Kyari; Senator Mohammed Ndume; Sen Kaka Shehu Lawan; Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno; business mogul, Dr Mohamed Indimi; ex-Army Chief, Tukur Buratai and Emir of Bichi, Dr Nasir Ado Bayero among others.
