President Muhammadu Buhari of the Federal Republic of Nigeria pledged on Tuesday that his administration will work to ensure that Nigeria remains one indivisible country despite the challenges that his government faces.
President Buhari stated this while speaking to stakeholders from the south east zone at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, FUNAI, 6th convocation ceremony, which took place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe convocation stadium in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State’s capital.
He stated that: “This underscores our emphasis on the digital economy which led to the launch of e-Naria and similar processes. I enjoin Nigerians especially the academia to remain focused on the cardinal objective of the university on Teaching and research.
“I assure you that the federal government will support research efforts geared towards addressing local and national challenges. My government is building bridges of partnership and friendship with foreign governments in all areas with a view to accelerating our national development.”
President Buhari, who was represented by Prof. Chinedu Nwajuba, a member of the NUC and former Vice-Chancellor of FUNAI, added that his administration is winning the war against terrorism and banditry among other criminal activities in the country.
“In a similar manner, I urge Nigerian universities to take advantage of the goodwill our nation has with the foreign governments and investors due to the sincerity of this government to partner with foreign universities in strategic areas.
“Nigeria is the only country we have, in respect of our ethnics, religious and cultural differences. My government will continue to do the needful to ensure that the country remains one. We are also winning the war against terrorism, banditry and all other forms of criminal activities.
“Our government will continue to ensure that citizens remain safe and their livelihood secured in every part of the country.
“Students should be committed to their studies and not be distracted, while lectures should not only teach but guide the students properly,” he stressed.
The Chancellor of the University, HRH, Oba Michael Aremu Adedotun, had previously stated that the nation’s economic development is dependent on the quality and quantity of functional knowledge and marketable skills available to individuals, as well as the quality of research conducted by institutions.
He stated that the university’s teaching and research standards are always in line with international best practices.
Emeritus Prof. Nimi Briggs, Pro-chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, also praised the varsity’s management for sticking to enduring ideals and timeless concepts of accountability, which he believes has led to the varsity’s outstanding success.
Prof. Sunday Elom, the Vice-Chancellor, stated that significant work remains to be done, particularly in the areas of faculty buildings, office blocks, lecture halls/theatre, student hostel accommodation, and staff quarters.
He urged the federal government to support the university’s improvement efforts in all ways.
