President Bola Tinubu, has urged universities to partner industries and entrepreneurs in their researches to commercialize their ideas.
Speaking on Saturday at the 43rd convocation ceremony of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Kaduna slState, Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, noted that Nigerian universities have contributed immensely to research and development, hence the need for them to partner industries and entrepreneurs in their researches.
Tinubu said universities are known for research and innovations, which provide the necessary ingredients for development of societies.
He noted that ABU Zaria enjoys an enviable status in its contribution to research and innovations, especially in the areas of agriculture, medicine, engineering among others.
“I urge the university to publicize their researches and collaborate with industries and entrepreneurs for commercializing such ideas.
“Today, the higher education sector is witnessing tremendous growth, internalization and impact, from globalization.
“This is facilitated in part by partnerships, collaborations and the use of information and communication technology.
“The initiative of the university in developing a regional and internationalization policy aimed at attracting international staff and students, is a right step in the right direction”, the President said.
He added that the federal government is complementing these pragmatic efforts through its recent approval of transnational education in Nigeria.
“This policy allows universities and investors abroad to set up institutions within Nigeria, owned by them or collaborate and partner with existing Nigerian institutions.
“Gone are the days when Nigeria is bottle-lap in the areas of knowledge and cooperation.
” Overall, therefore, this gives Nigerians access to quality education based on global standards and also saves foreign exchange.
“On our part, this government acknowledges the critical roles of tertiary institutions to achieving the aims of this government to place the nation on the path of development.
“We will continue to support the institutions with suitable policies and resources that will facilitate its roles”, Tinubu said.
According to him, students will also enjoy support such as the students loans that have been expanded to cater for those pursuing skill-based courses, in addition to those in the universities.
The President called on the graduating students to be job creators as there are jobs.
Also speaking during the occasion, the Chancellor of the university and the Obi of Onitsha, Dr. Nnaemeke Achebe commended the federal government for removing the federal universities from the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS).
He said the decision will go a long way in guaranteeing the autonomy of the universities.
The vice chancellor of the university, Prof. Kabiru Bala disclosed that a total of 25,432 students graduated with various degrees.
According to him, 647 bagged PbD degrees, 5,167 masters, 40 MPhil and 955 post graduate diplomas.
He said out of 11,916 graduates with bachelors degrees, 182 earned first class degrees, 3,902 earned second class upper degrees, while 11,552 graduated with second class, lower division.
By John Shiklam in Kaduna
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