President Muhammadu Buhari has urged universities in Nigerian to support the Federal Government’s fight against corruption.
Buhari made the call on Saturday at the 29th Convocation of the University of Calabar in Calabar.
Represented By Professor Akanerem Essien, former Vice Chancellor, University of Uyo, Buhari said that the fight against corruption should not be a task of the government alone, but a collective responsibility.
He restated that his administration had zero tolerance for corruption, hence the need for universities to support the fight against it.
“As I continue the fight against corruption in the country, I want to call on universities in Nigeria to support the crusade.
“Universities are known for nurturing young vanguards; I want universities management to evolve the spirit of nurturing our young ones in the right track by shunning all forms of corruption.
“My administration will continue to support the growth of our tertiary institutions in the area of research and academic growth,” he said.
Buhari said that the N500 billion allocated to the education sector in the 2016 budget would be effectively utilised to ensure optimal improvement in the country’s educational system.
He congratulated the graduands for the successful completion of their course works.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of University of Calabar, Prof Zana Akpagu, said that 7,222 students would be awarded degrees and diplomas in the convocation which was for 2014/2015 session.
He said that 12 graduands out of the number bagged First Class degree, adding that they would be given automatic employment by the university management.
Apkagu said that the gesture was a reward for hard work and motivation for students of the institution to attain academic excellence.
“The University of Calabar in its 2014/2015 academic session graduated a total of 7,222. Out of this number, 4,868 will get first degrees, 952 with Masters degrees, and 1,402 with Diplomas,” he said.
He announced the award of Honorary Doctorate Degree of Law (LLD) to Mr Donald Duke, a former governor of Cross River, and to Sen. Florence Ita-Giwa in Political Science (DPSC).
Apkagu explained that the university decided to honour Duke for transforming Cross River to a tourist state and hospitality haven, while Ita-Giwa was honoured for her struggle in rehabilitating the Bakassi displaced returnees.
In his speech, Pro-Chancellor of the university, Chief Emmanuel Iwuannyawu, advised the authorities to embark on large-scale farming that would engage the students in meaningfully ventures after graduation. (NAN)
