Buhari orders inauguration of varsities governing councils

President Mohammadu Buhari has directed the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, to inaugurate the reconstituted governing councils of universities next week, including that of the University of Abuja which he approved early last month.

The president made the announcement yesterday while delivering the Visitor’s speech at the 21st Convocation of the University of Abuja.

Buhari, who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, also directed review of the curriculum of universities.

The Visitor said the ability of Nigeria to overcome its present challenges and emerge as an economic force no longer depends on petroleum resources but on development of its human capital.

“Consequently, in the bid to promote graduates who will be relevant to national needs and aspirations as well as be internationally competitive, I have directed the NUC to embark on a comprehensive review of the curriculum of Nigerian universities before the end of the year, “he said.

Government expectation according to him is the development of a curriculum that will produce quality research and stimulate innovation in every Nigerian university.

He said his administration would continue to do its best to see that the institution was transformed into a university befitting the federal capital of Nigeria, adding that the government cannot do it alone as it requires the matching dedication and commitment on the part of the university management, staff and students.

Meanwhile, six students bagged First Class degree, as the university graduated 13, 670 students. The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Michael Adikwu, congratulated the graduands on their achievement, urging them to conduct themselves appropriately at all times.

The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, Chief Michael Okibe Onoja and a German, Professor, Peter Proksch, were honoured at the event.