By Kolawole Ojebisi
President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerian graduates to resist the temptation of leaving Nigeria in droves in search of greener pastures in foreign countries.
Tinubu said the lush pastures people find enticing in other countries were made so through the grit, sweat and sacrifices of their citizens adding that Nigeria can equally make its pastures green or even greener.
He added that young Nigerians must embrace patriotism and sense of purpose to make the Nigeria of their dream become a reality.
The President made this appeal in his address at the 29th and 30th combined convocation ceremony of the University of Uyo, held at the institution’s permanent ground, Nwanniba Road, on Saturday.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Georgewill, urged the graduands to be agents of change by utilising their knowledge and skills to solve societal issues for the betterment of the country and the world at large.
“As you go into the world, I urge you to be agents of change, using your knowledge and skills 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 abroad. We can make our pastures equally as green, or even greener, than those of other countries.”
While noting the current challenges facing the country, Tinubu said his administration is implementing measures aimed at mitigating their impact on the citizenry, especially the vulnerable.
The President lamented that despite the establishment of numerous centres of learning across tertiary institutions, research outcomes often end up on the shelves of their respective authors.
He charged universities to take the lead in championing demand-driven research that would contribute to the enhancement of human lives.
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, who received a doctorate degree in political science from the University, said in his goodwill message that the conferment was a testament to perseverance and faith in the endless and unchangeable possibilities that exist if one believes.
He added that the conferment would motivate him to do more for the state. The University Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Zubairu Abdullah, who appreciated Tinubu for introducing the student loan scheme and other reforms in the sector, lamented the issue of land encroachment and land grabbing by neighbouring communities and appealed to him for the construction of a perimeter fence to curb the menace.
The Chancellor of the University and Emir of Hadejia, Alh. (Dr) Abubakar Maje, while congratulating the graduating students on their success, admonished them to follow the rules and regulations that will enable them to reach the pinnacle of their careers, both in character and learning.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Nyaudo Ndaeyo, in his address, said that the fallout from the overarching economic environment has limited the expectations of the university, stating that the institution has made landmark achievements in nearly all aspects of development.
He highlighted the achievements, including infrastructural development and other major innovations, such as the establishment of the university printing press and bookshops.
He disclosed that the university has achieved over 90% accreditation status, with the remaining 10% having interim status.
“In all, over 90% of our academic programmes have full accreditation, while the remaining 10% have interim status. We are working hard to represent the interim programmes so that we can achieve 100% full accreditation.”
