Be Patriotic, Avoid Temptation of Seeking Greener Pastures Outside Nigeria, Tinubu Tells Graduates
Okon Bassey in Uyo
President Bola Tinubu has appealed to graduates of Nigerian universities to be patriotic and avoid the temptation of seeking greener pastures outside the country, stating that Nigeria can make its pastures equally as green, or even greener.
The president made this appeal in his address at the 29th and 30th combined convocation ceremony of the University of Uyo, held at the institution’s permanent ground, Nwanniba Road, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, yesterday.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt, Professor Owunari Georgewill, urged the graduands to be agents of change by utilising their knowledge and skills to solve societal issues for the betterment of the country and the world at large.
“As you go into the world, I urge you to be agents of change, using your knowledge and skills to uplift our society and contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria and the world at large.
“I appeal to your sense of patriotism, imploring you to avoid the temptation of hurrying to look for greener pastures abroad. We can make our pastures equally as green, or even greener, than those of other countries,” Tinubu said.
While noting the current challenges facing the country, Tinubu said his administration was implementing measures aimed at mitigating their impact on the citizenry, especially the vulnerable.
The president noted that despite the establishment of numerous centres of learning across tertiary institutions, research outcomes often end up on the shelves of their respective authors.
He charged the universities to take the lead in championing demand-driven research that would contribute to the enhancement of human lives.
Speaking at the event, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, who received a doctorate in political science from the University, said in his goodwill message that the conferment was a testament to perseverance and faith in the endless and unchangeable possibilities that exist if one believes.
He added that the conferment would motivate him to do more for the state.
The university’s Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Professor Zubairu Abdullah, who appreciated the president for introducing the student loan scheme and other reforms in the sector, lamented the issue of land encroachment and land grabbing by neighbouring communities and appealed to him for the construction of a perimeter fence to curb the menace.
The Chancellor of the University and Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji (Dr) Abubakar Maje, while congratulating the graduating students on their success, admonished them to follow the rules and regulations that will enable them to reach the pinnacle of their careers, both in character and learning.
The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Nyaudo Ndaeyo, in his address, said that the fallout from the overarching economic environment has limited the expectations of the university, stating that the institution has made landmark achievements in nearly all aspects of development.
