President Muhammadu Buhari, on Saturday in Akure, called on the nation’s universities to function as agents of change in order to accelerate the desired economic growth and development of the country.
Buhari stressed that universities must play visible roles in the country’s economic growth and transformation.
The president, represented by Prof. Julius Okogie, the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), gave the charge at the 27th Convocation Ceremony of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA).
The president urged universities to be at the vanguard of the fight against corruption and eroded ethics, which, according to him, constitute a major component of our social ills.
He pointed out that the universities play critical roles in shaping the lives and character of the young and active segment of the population.
“We are, therefore, committed to working assiduously with the universities to motivate our youths and prepare them for their future roles.
“We must also continue to ensure that universities are safe havens for the students and staff alike.
“Government, through its various security agencies and outfits, is working round the clock to ensure adequate security for every Nigerian”, he said.
The Emir of Bauchi, Alh. Rilwanu Adamu, who was newly installed as the Chancellor of the school, said that his new position would afford him opportunity to make significant contributions to the development of education in the country.
He described the convocation ceremony as evidence of the school’s great commitment to its mandate and the pursuit of same with focus and dedication.
“I, therefore, commend the university governing council for the quality of policy formulation and superintendence fostered on the school”, the chancellor said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a total of 4,332 students, comprising of 2, 675 undergraduate and 1, 657 post graduates, bagged various degrees in the 2014/2015 academic session.
Twenty-eight bagged first class degrees, 807 got second class (Upper Division), while 1,324 finished in the lower division of second class.
Four hundred and nine graduated with third class; 47 finished with pass, while Obakpolor Osakpolor, of the Department of Physics, emerged the best graduating student, with a cumulative GPA of 4.84.
Prof. Adebiyi Daramola, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, advised the graduating students to be good ambassadors and responsible alumni of the school and to be among the “cherished nation builders of our time”.
Daramola said that the responsibility of being productive and contributing to the nation’s development lie on the students through their expertise and professionalism.
“In the same vein, being certified worthy in character, bestows on you the onus of all-time maintenance of peace, good conduct and being your neighbours’ helper and supporter all the time,” the Vice-Chancellor said. (NAN)
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