Nigerian President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has charged graduates of nations universities to exercise patriotism in their decisions and actions. This is even as he urged them to shun the temptation of seeking greener pastures outside the country.
President Tinubu made the remarks while addressing graduates at the 29th and 30th combined convocation ceremony of the University of Uyo on Saturday.
Tinubu noted that instead of going abroad to seek for greener pasture, that Nigeria can make its pastures equally as green or even greener.
Tinubu, represented by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Georgewill, charged the graduates to be agents of change. He urged them to utilize their knowledge and tools to solve societal issues.
He said, “As you go into the world, I urge you to be agents of change. Using your knowledge and tools to uplift our society and contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria and the world, at large.
“I appeal to your sense of patriotism. Imploring you to avoid the temptation of hurrying to look for greener pastures outside.
“We can make our pastures equally as green or even greener than those of other climes,” Tinubu said.
The President pointed out that his administration is implementing measures aimed at mitigating the harsh economic impact on the people, especially the vulnerable.
He noted that in spite of the establishment of numerous centres of learning across tertiary institutions, outcomes of research efforts still end up on the shelves of their respective authors.
Tinubu, therefore, charged universities to take the lead in championing demand-driven research. Researches that would contribute to the enhancement of human lives in the country.
In his remark, the Pro-chancellor, and Chairman Governing Council of the University, Prof. Zubairu Abdullah, appreciated President Tinubu. He praised him for introducing the student loan scheme and other reforms in the education sector.
Abdullah, however, decried the issue of land encroachment and land grabbing by some neighbouring communities into the university.
He, therefore, appealed to President Tinubu to construction a perimeter fence around the university to curb the menace.
The Aka Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, who bagged a doctorate degree in Political Science of the University, thanked the university.
In his goodwill stated that the conferment was a testament to perseverance and faith in the unending and unchangeable possibilities that exist if one believed.
Eno added that the conferment of the doctorate would motivate him to do more for the State.
In his remarks, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Nyaudo Ndaeyo, decried the current economic situation in the country. He said that the fallout from the overarching economic environment had limited the expectations of the University.
The VC, however, commended the institution for its landmark achievements in nearly all aspects of developments.
According to him, the achievements included infrastructure development and the establishment of the University printing press and bookshops, amongst others.
“The University had achieved over 90 per cent accreditation status with the remaining 10 per cent having interim status,” he said.
source: NAN
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