Focus On Research That Supports Industrial Growth, Tinubu Counsels Nigerian University
From Ayodele Ajoge, Birnin-Kebbi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday charges Nigerian Universities to focus on demand-driven research that supports industrial growth and national development.
President Tinubu made this charge to Nigerian Universities in his speech at the maiden convocation of the Federal University Birnin-Kebbi.
Tinubu, who was represented at the occasion by the Minister of State Education, Dr. Tanko Yusuf Sununu highlighted the government’s efforts to address infrastructure deficits and increase budgetary allocations to the education sector.
The Chancellor of the University, Eze, Dr. Cletus Ikechukwu Ilomuanya, CON, reaffirmed the university’s commitment to participating in the formulation and implementation of government policies aligned with the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.
He also congratulated the graduates and recipients of honorary degree award of the University as he commended former President Goodluck Jonathan for establishing the Federal University Birnin-Kebbi in the year 2013.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Alhaji Ali Abubakar Jatau, expressed appreciation for the presence of President Tinubu’s representative and Governor Idris of Kebbi State at the convocation, acknowledging the support provided by the federal government THE well as Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Muhammad Zaiyanu Umar said that the university, established in 2013, commenced academic activities during the 2014/2015 academic session with two faculties.
“Today, the university boasts five faculties and a College of Health Sciences”, he added.
He also disclosed that the convocation covered five academic sessions, graduating a total of 3,373 students.
Professor Umar also highlighted challenges faced by the university, including the lack of perimeter fencing leading to encroachments, theft of cables and wires, inadequate transportation, and an excessive hike in electricity tariffs from KEDCO, which resulted in power cuts.
The event also featured the presentation of prizes to outstanding graduates and the conferment of honorary doctorate degrees on four prominent Nigerians, including former Governor Saidu Nasamu Dakingari, Dr. Muhammad Indimi, Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, and Ambassador Abubakar Muhammad Sani.
