FG to deploy blueprint in ending frequent strikes in Varsities, other Tertiary institutions.
Rep of President Tinubu (middle), rep of Bauchi Governor (left) and Vice Chancellor ATBU (right), DVC Academics (extreme right)
By Abubakar Baba Ahmad.
The Federal Government says it will employ sustainable dialogue and a formidable blueprint towards addressing the frequent strike actions and wanton disruption of academic activities in Universities and other tertiary institutions in the country.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stated this at the 26th, 27th, 28th, and 29th Combined Convocation ceremony of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, ATBU held at Gubi Campus, Bauchi.
Bola Tinubu represented by the Director University Education of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Ocheido James said Universities have witnessed untold harsh situations over the years due to frequent strike actions, noting his administration’s resolve to address some of the root causes towards bringing an end to disruption of academic calendar and unnecessary waste of time.
“Nigerian Universities have witnessed untold harsh situations over the years due to frequent strike actions; We are now focused on creating an enabling environment for sustainable dialogue in order to bring frequent strike actions by staff unions in the Nigerian University system to a permanent end”, The University Visitor assures.
He said machineries had been put in place towards bringing to an end the gradual encroachment of fake degree certificates by some unpatriotic citizens from unscrupulous institutions.
The President who is also the Visitor to the University used the medium to call for intensified collaboration with universities across the globe in order to cross-fertilise research ideas for rapid socioeconomic development of the country.
“The University system in Nigeria has come a long way and has recorded a lot of unquantifiable achievements in the training of professionals in every field and experts in various disciplines that are contributing to the development of not only our dear country but the World at large.”
The Vice Chancellor of ATBU Professor Muhammad Ahmad Abdul’azeez who stood in for the Chancellor and Ewi of Ado Ekiti Rufus Adeyemo Aladesanmi the third urged the federal government to continue to introduce changes in line with global demands towards developing the capacity of the nation’s universities.
“I have followed the new policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration significantly as it affects the yearning and aspirations of University staff and other stakeholders. The government has proven to be responsive and in tune with reality. The satisfaction of University staff is the first significant step towards a conducive atmosphere for meaningful learning. I do not doubt that the present administration will stop at nothing to ensure that all University staff are comfortable enough with government policies and actions for them to give their best for the gain of the system”, the Chancellor states.
Rufus Adeyemo urged parents to assist the university in training and monitoring children especially during holidays to ensure that they do not fall prey to the hands of evil influence.
In a remark, the Governor of Bauchi state Bala Muhammed represented by his Deputy Auwal Jatau congratulated the graduands for the academic feat and urged the university to continue to maintain standard in producing quality graduates.
“Today’s momentous event marks a significant milestone in the lives of our graduating students, who have successfully traversed the challenging path of higher education, and are now ready to embark on the next chapter of their lives. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the graduating students. As your fellow citizen and Executive Governor of this great state, I am an advocate of innovation, progress and development.
The university had awarded Honorary Doctorate degrees to five individuals to include Former Vice Chancellors Professor Buba Bajoga and Professor Abubakar Sani Sambo, Former NNPC GMD Late Maikanti Kacalla Baru, Alhaji Bala Wunti, First Registrar of the institution Ambassador Dr Adamu Aliyu and the First awardee of Emeritus Professor from the University Professor Samuel Mba of Animal Medicine.
Radio Nigeria Correspondent Abubakar Baba Ahmad reports that two out of the thousands of Graduands stood out, with a 79 year old Mr Simon Olukayode who bagged a PhD in Turbo Engine and a 23 year old female medical graduate from katagum local government, Dr Khadija Muhammad Garba as the overall best graduating Medical Student.
