Tinubu Urges Private Sector To Fund Researches In Nigeria’s Universities
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has implored all stakeholders in the private sector to joined hands with the Federal Government in funding researches and teachings for the development of higher education in Nigeria.
Tinubu also encouraged Universities to promote programmes and researches that are relevant to the needs of industries and country as Universities holds the key to sustainable development.
The President spoke at the combined 38th, 39th, 40th and 41st Convocation ceremony of Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto on Saturday.
President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Education, Alhaji Prof. Tahir Dani also commended the staff and management of the Usman Danfodiyo University for their hard work, dedications and resourcefulness in nurturing the graduands through their various programmes.
“Indeed, your valuable contributions have added to the achievement of the graduands of academic aspirations”.
He also congratulated the Vice Chancellor for securing grants worth about N1 billion for the university through various researches.
“This is the way to grow as researches are what places universities as top most institutions not even number of students. So,we what encourage universities to continue strengthen their researches capabilities .
He also urged the university to publish the outcome of their researches in National Newspapers so that the public to know what they are doing”.
In his speech,the State Governor ,Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu,assured to partnership with the institution in all areas of development such as the renewable energy, Security and Education among others so that the State could benefit from the expertise of our highly respected intellectuals that this institution is blessed with.
Aliyu said his administration has equally succeeded in settling the backlog of tuition fees running into Million of Naira, the state is owing which we inherited from the immediate past administration in the State.
In his address ,the Vice Chancellor of the University,Prof Lawal Suleiman Bilbis said the institute secured research grant of N1,717,935,607 to conduct researches in the area of peace and national unity ,infectious disease and vaccine development ,pharmaceuticals and alternative medicine ,genomics ,food security and nutrition among others .
He said the amount is in addition to the N1 billion grant from TETFUND for the establishment of centre of excellent in Urology and Nephrology.
However, Bilbis explained that the University continues to grapple with insecurity challenges despite the strides its made over the years.
According to him,the institute permanent site is situated approximately 15 km from the city centre .
In addition ,the campus has a landmass covering 5,630 hectares,nestled amidst approximately 60 villages and Hamlet’s with a collective population of about 200,000 people.
He said this unique geographical setting poses a significant security threat,as tertiary institutions increasingly become soft targets for criminal activities such banditry and kidnapping .
The challenges posed by external security threats emanating from the surrounding communities , including violent political conflicts,thefts , kidnappings,and banditry attacks .
These incidents, often alarming and on rise ,encroach dangerously close to the students Halls of residence and staff residential areas as such requires the urgent need for enhance security measures.
Highlight of the event include award of higher and honorary degrees and of specials prizes to best students and some notable personalities who distinguished themselves in the service to humanity.
