Buhari Tasks Universities On Discovery, Invention
President Muhammadu Buhari has challenged Nigerian Universities to henceforth showcase their new discoveries and inventions as a proof that the country is moving forward technologically at their convocations.
President Buhari, represented by the Executive Secretary National University Commission (NUC), Professor Julius Okojie, task the nation’s Universities yesterday, at combined 19th, 20th, 21st and 22nd convocation ceremony of the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi (ATBU)
“No nation will progress, if its educational system is poor. Despite the huge resources allocated to education, the output is not commensurate, as the country depends on products from developed nations. We cannot lay back and take the back seat as simply consumers of other nations’ products. We must come up with our own products for others to buy. In this way, we are not only economically benefiting, but also asserting our presence in the world of politics and invention”.
Commenting on the poor quality of instructions at the nation’s educational institutions, he said, “It’s worrisome that no Nigerian university is quoted among the top 100 universities in the world. We are ranked below a thousand. If we do not aspire to be among the world class universities, we cannot boast of robust system, capable of launching the country among the top economies of the world”.
He said his administration would address the decay in the system, adding that the government was expecting the universities to come out with meaningful suggestion on the way forward.
“A lot of government resources are invested in universities such as yours. Nigerians expect result from their investments. I, therefore, challenge you to henceforth, surprise Nigerians at occasions such as this by presenting new discovery or inventions that will add value to the technological drive of the country”.
In his remarks, Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Saminu Abdulrahman Ibrahim, said, “today we are witnessing the convocation of a total of 8127 graduates made up of 845 diplomas, 5577 degrees, 1620 PGD/ Masters and 85 PhDs.
He said 32 obtained first class out of 5577, 1, 203 second class upper, 2, 702 second class lower, 1, 481 third class and 136 got pass.
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1 Comments
There should be a research university or entrepreneurial / innovation centre of excellence in each geopolitical zone to complement the existing teaching universities in research and development output which are highly significant in leveraging an economy
We will review and take appropriate action.