By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri –
President Muhammadu Buhari has again appealed to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to call off the ongoing strike which has drastically affected the universities’ students all over the country apart from disrupting their academic pursuits.
President Buhari also urged ASUU leaders to endeavour to resolve their staff issues amicably through dialogue with the appropriate authorities.
President Buhari made the call on Friday in Maiduguri at the maiden Special Convocation Ceremony and conferment of Honourary Degree of Doctor of Letters by the University of Maiduguri on Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi, Chairman, Oriental Energy Resources Ltd.
President Buhari, who was represented by his Chief of Staff (COS), Professor Ibrahim Gamabari, further described Alhaji Indimi as an achiever, committed international businessman and philanthropist that his community members and humanity have benefitted from his wealth.
” I congratulate Alhaji Indimi for his conferred of honorary degree (D. Lit.), Doctor if Letters which confused with his birthday this year. This is a result of his support and contributions to his community and humanity as well as his country. I join his family, friends, relations and associates in rejoicing with him on his conferment of Doctor of Letters by University of Maiduguri, ” Buhari added.
He commended the management of the university, senate and governing council for their efforts and commitment to educational development despite the industrial action truncating steady academic services in universities for sometime now.
He further commended the people and Government of Borno state for their resilience while sympathizing with them over the devastating Boko Haram insurgency in the state.
The president stressful that his government has not rest in the last seven years in ensuring that peace returns to state and region with the setting up of commission and committee as well as provision of logistics, welfare and armories to the Nigerian Military as well as the police to restore peace and orderliness
Buhari also said that his administration is not unmindful of the criticisms made on his Government especially, suggestions on the economy and security challenges.
He however, said efforts are being made to tackle the prevailing challenges, particularly, those if security and education.
“It is not true that nothing is going right in Nigeria. Because of the insecurity we are facing in some parts of the country. It is evidenced today that infrastructural developments are viable, improvements in mechanism of our road network, railway line, power generation and distribution projects and we have been establish a commission for Borno and north east .
“My administration remained committed to tackle all security issues of of the country. Results have started emerging now and all security agencies are more better now than before while we will continue to improve on their welfare and logistics among others.
” We have provided hundred of millions to the security agencies. Much money have been ejected on purposes of helicopters for the police, fighter jets for the army and air force and other security vehicles. All to ensure peace reigns and socio economic activities pick up everywhere.
“The Act of Parliament new law is established , police industrial fund and improved salaries to enable police secure our communities. While on economic recession, it is a difficult time world over due to COVID-19 pandemic, ” Buhari said.
He added that education is vital to social development and agriculture has become necessary for the country to diversify towards improved agricultural production and development.
The President further explained that his Government is working hard to mitigate on the establishment of agricultural production technological projects to enhance food security , stressing that, last seven years have been promisable despite the diversifying economic suggestions from people both home and abroad.
Buhari also declared that his Government remained committee to peaceful and credible 2023 general elections while emphasizing that Nigerians however must be respected anywhere they are, noting that, all processes and outcomes of elections in Edo,, Ekiti and Ondo states were clear indications that his Government is capable of conducting and delivering a credible election in 2023.
On his part, The Vice Chancellor, University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Processor Aliyu Shugaba appreciated the efforts and concerns of Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi for his humanitarian and community services both in Borno, other parts of the country and even Africa and USA.
He said Indimi deserved the honour given to him by the varsity based on the guided procedures of the institution having committed himself and contributed a lot to the university community and students within and outside the state as well abroad.
Part of his contributions to the development of UNIMAID according to the VC include – the provision scholarships, medical laboratories and equipment, building of international centers, conferences, theater halls and blocks of classrooms and offices in the distance learning and center for business development in the varsity amongst others.
He however congratulated Alhaji Indim on his conferment of Doctor of Letters (D. Lit.)( Honoris Causa).
Personalities at the conferment ceremony include, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the First Lady, Mra. A’isha Muhammadu Buhari, former Governor of Borno state and APC Presidential Running Mate, Senator Kashim Shettima, Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu represented by the former Vice Chancellor , University of Maiduguri and Federal University Dutse,Professor Jibrila D. Amin, Governor of Borno, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum represented by his Deputy, Hon. Umar Usman Kadafur, Governor of Yobe state, Hon. Mai Mala Buni represented by his Deputy, Alhaji L. , Governor of Gombe state, Hon. Inuwa Yahaya represented by his Deputy.
Others include Emirs and chiefs from Katsina, Jigawa, Gombe, among others, who were led by the Shehu of Borno, His Eminence, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El Kanemi.
Also, prominent businessmen and women both within and outside Nigeria, diplomatic corps, top government functionaries, Vice Chancellors, former Vice Chancellors, Chairmen of boards and parastatals also graced the occasion.
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