Tinubu urges varsities to undertake research to address Nigeria’s developmental challenges

Ini Billie Uyo

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged universities to undertake research that would address the developmental challenges in Nigeria.

Speaking at the weekend during the combined 29th and 30th convocation ceremony of the University of Uyo, Tinubu, who was represented by the Vice-Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Owunari Abraham Georgewill, said such demand-driven research would serve the society and make human lives better.

The President lamented that many research, studies and findings from national and international conferences and workshops from tertiary institutions end up on the shelves, libraries and university archives.

He encouraged the 12,450 graduands to stay back in the country and contribute their quota to the development of the nation instead of leaving the country for greener pastures.

“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.

“Permit me to reiterate the need for our universities and other tertiary institutions of learning to continuously adjust to the ever-changing demands of our modern-day world by repositioning themselves and encouraging impactful teaching, learning and research that will bring about national progress and sustainable development.

“Education is the cornerstone of national development and must be responsive and transformative, for notable development to take place in our nation.

“I, therefore, urge our universities to be committed and live up to expectations as the vanguards of research, teaching, and community service, in line with their tripartite mandate.

“As citadels of learning, our universities should take the lead in championing demand-driven research that would serve society in making human lives better and enriched. Academia should undertake cutting-edge research that will address the challenges of development.

“The government has supported the establishment of numerous centres of excellence across our tertiary institutions.

“It is, however, regrettable that the outcomes of numerous research and studies carried out, as well as findings from presentations made by our scholars at national and international conferences and workshops usually end up on the shelves of their respective authors, supervisors. departmental or faculty libraries and other university archives,” he stated.

While speaking, the Chancellor of Uniuyo, Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Maje, Emir of Hadejia, Jigawa State, commended the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo for the many successes he has recorded, and advised that the tempo be sustained and greater heights attained to launch the University of Uyo to the zenith of academic excellence.

On his part, the Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Zubairu Abdallah called for adequate resources, political commitment, and policy support for universities, saying it would play a transformational role in national development.

Abdallah commended President Tinubu for approving the operational guidelines for universities’ transition from the IPPIS to a more appropriate alternative, saying it would allow for greater operational flexibility.

While speaking, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Dr Umo Eno, who was also a Doctorate degree graduand, said he is committed to the advancement of education and Small and Medium Entreprises (SMEs) in the state.

Eno stated that his belief in Small and Medium Enterprises as the engine of economic growth, especially with the middle class, led to his doctoral thesis titled, “Government and Private Sector Development: A Study of Small and Medium Enterprises in Akwa Ibom State.”

Explaining that the 29th and 30th convocation ceremony has ended the areas of convocation in the university, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Nyaudoh Ndaeyo said the 12,450 graduands comprised 1,167 postgraduates, 10,835 undergraduates, 411 diplomas and 37 certificates for the 2020/2021 and 2021/2022 academic year.

During the occasion, the university conferred on Prof Akpan H. Ekpo, Professor of Public Finance/Policy, an honorary professor emeritus degree, and honorary distinguished professor awards on Professor Enefiok Effiong Essien (SAN), Faculty of Law, Professor Godfrey Okon Udoh, Department of Estate Management, and Professor Enoabasi Essien Urua, Department of Linguistics & Nigerian Languages, University of Uyo.

Three other eminent Nigerians: Chief Effiong Daniel Afiakurue, Ms. Halima Suleiman Zakari, and Dr. Itanwan Ita James were also awarded honorary doctorate degrees.