FG Appreciates ABU’s Transformation Vision – Boss Mustapha

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By; SANI ALIYU, Zaria

The Federal Government has identified with the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) vision of transforming the institution through a long term vision by 2030.

From L-R: Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello, Chairman Dangote Group Aliyu Dangote and Colonel Sani Bello Rtd, during the ABU, 42nd Convocation Ceremony in Zaria. Photos: BASHIR BELLO DOLLARS

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha who represented the Visitor, President Muhammadu Buhari stated this at the  42nd Convocation/Diamond Jubilee ceremony, held at the Mamman Kontagora Square, ABU Zaria,

He said ABU as a premier institution, has always produced qualitative and visionary leaders for Nigeria.

Speaking on the 2023 general elections, Boss Mustapha warned those trying to undermine the electoral process that it would not be easy for them as security agents are ready to deal with the situation.

He said, nothing will stop the general elections as arranged by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

On the graduating students,  he charged them to be good ambassadors of the university anywhere they find themselves in their future endeavours.

Vice Chancellor Ahmadu  Bello University, Professor Kabiru Bala in his remarks,  appealed to the  Federal Government to lift the employment embargo for universities to address the widening shortfall.

He said, shortfall on manpower is threatening some department’s existence as many were advised to close down some departments because of lack of lecturers.

The VC said, the shortage of manpower especially in academic  units has significantly impacted on the staff-student ratio in many programmes and it continues to strain the available staff.

According to him, this challenge resulted from government’s policies and embargo on employment.

Professor Bala also said that ABU has been facing financial difficulties since the aftermath of COVID-19 and a serious legal battle that affected its finances and other government policies that exert pressure on its financial standing.

He called for greater collaboration between all stakeholders to fashion out more innovative ways of ensuring smooth running of the university.

Bala added that it is important considering the obvious need for more Information Communication Technology (ICT) investment and capacity development of staff to meet with the growing challenges of education.

In his a address, the Chancellor Ahmadu Bello University, Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe the Obi of Onitsha appealed to all stakeholders to sheath their swords and open doors of meaningful communication aimed at finding lasting solutions to the negative effects of strike in the tertiary institutions which amongst others, result to adverse effects like the postponement of the university’s convocation.

He said, the strike brought to light both short and long term challenges for funding tertiary institutions in the country.

The Chancellor said, the costs to the nation and individual institutions in both human and material terms have been enormous.

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