Buhari worried over low ranking of Nigerian universities

President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday expressed worries that no Nigerian university is among the top hundred universities in the world even though the country has lots of talents that excel elsewhere.

The President expressed this concern through the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission, Prof. Julius Okojie, in Bauchi at the 19th to 22nd convocation ceremony of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.

He stated that, “it is worrisome that no Nigerian university is quoted among the top 100 universities in the world.

“We rank below a thousand, if we do not aspire to be among the world class universities, we cannot boast of robust system capable of making the country among the top economies of the world.

“We have abundance of talents who excel elsewhere but appear incapacitated at home. This is unacceptable.

“Whatever makes our abundant talents fail at home and excel abroad must be identified and neutralised for our benefit and that of our future generation,’’ Buhari said.

While identifying incessant strikes by lecturers as a major bottleneck to the progress of the country’s university system, he said, “The repercussions of strike usually retard the smooth running of academic activities with heavy negative consequences’’.

The President called on the state governments to support and encourage universities situated in their states because they were responsible for harnessing local talents and promotion of local innovations. He observed that the Treasury Single Account policy was meant to enhance accountability, transparency and revenue.

“The seemingly challenges especially in tertiary institutions should be seen as a teething problem that will gradually vanish as the policy takes roots.

“MDAs should, therefore, exhibit patience and understanding, bearing in mind that Nigerians shall surely reap from the fruits of the policy,’’ he stated.

#buhari #NigerianUniversities