President Bola Ahmed Tinubu says Nigerian universities have made their mark and also have the capacity to turn the tide of the nation by engaging in adequate research and churning out the required manpower.
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima who represented the President stated this in his remark at the 24th combined graduation of the University of Maiduguri, Borno State.
READ ALSO: University of Maiduguri Confers Honorary Doctoral Degree on VP Shettima
The graduation of the famous University of Maiduguri in Borno state, for graduates of 2017-2021 academic sessions, was held on Saturday November 18 2023 with a total of 33,429 students passing out.
Addressing the convocation assembly, the President noted with delight that tertiary institutions in Nigeria have made their mark in various fields of endeavour and would continue to do so.
“No doubt our universities offer us the best pathway towards breaking from the shackles of ignorance, poverty, deprivation and despair. By engaging in cutting edge research and acquisition of the requisite expertise, Nigerian universities can empower their students with the necessary skills and competences that will make them a positive force for societal growth and development,” he said.
President Tinubu emphasized that universities in the country must positively influence their communities and provide the much needed solution to problems.
“Nigerian universities have been undoubtedly, first at the centre of leadership within the higher education sector. In this vein, it behoves on them to exhibit certain leadership traits within the communities they serve.
“As bastions of the highest academic traditions, Nigerian universities must exhibit a strong sense of discipline among their ranks and they must be able to view problems from a wide range of perspectives while being incisive in their analysis of issues.”
He said one of the greatest strengths of humans is their diversity, as he called on the academia to look back and restore the values of the society as they mould future leaders.
The President also used the opportunity to woo more support for universities from the private sector.
Earlier, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, pledged the state government’s continuous support to the institution.
He said: “As we celebrate the achievements of the past and current students, Borno State government under my leadership remains committed to support the university of Maiduguri in fostering an environment that nurtures not only academic excellence but also the development of well-rounded individuals equipped to address the challenges of the contemporary world, ensuring that its graduates are well prepared to excel in their chosen fields and contribute positively to the society.”
The Governor commended the University for its Unwavering Commitment to national development through the shaping of the minds of its students.
Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Aliyu Shugaba, urged graduates to be good and worthy ambassadors of the institution, as he advised them to imbibe the spirit of entrepreneurship to enhance their livelihoods before they pick up white collar jobs.
The high point of the graduation ceremony was the conferment of an honorary doctor of Science degree on Vice President Kashim Shettima and three other Nigerians.
