Buhari pledges support to varsities

President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to continue to support universities and other tertiary institutions to enable them produce the necessary skilled manpower.

The president spoke at the 33rd convocation ceremony of Bayero University, Kano (BUK).

Buhari, who was represented by the Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof. Adamu Rasheed, said supporting the universities was necessary in order to ensure the development of an economy that would be capable of sustaining the change agenda of the government.

“We shall continue to sacrifice our time and energy as well as to ensure fairness, integrity and dedication in order to change the fortunes of our country,’’ he said.

He, however, called on the universities to rise up to their responsibilities by providing the needed skilled manpower to meet the current global challenges.

Buhari expressed the hope that with proper and judicious use of the resources being given to the universities, they would be equipped to produce the high level manpower for the country.

He, however, expressed concern over the serious allegation on financial recklessness against the universities, pointing out that government was studying the situation with a view to checking the ugly trend.

“Government will continue to monitor developments in the universities to ensure that they are developed, respect good governance and rule of law, “he said.

Buhari, who, restated the commitment of his administration to the fight against corruption, commended Nigerians for their prayers while he was on medical vacation in the United Kingdom.

“We are encouraged by the prayers to change the country. We shall continue to stand firmly to fight corruption and improve security for the development of the country, “he said.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Muhammad Yahuza, said no fewer than 8, 634 graduands were awarded various degrees and post graduates diplomas.

He added that 52 of the first degree graduands graduated with first class.

The vice chancellor said most of the ongoing projects had been completed while the rest were nearing completion, including the Dangote Business School and the Centre of Excellence being executed by Dangote Foundation and the Central Bank of Nigeria respectively.

Newsverge reports that two prominent personalities, Sheikh Isiyaka Rabi’u and Mr Man Loong Lee, were conferred with honorary degrees for their contributions to the development of humanity.