The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, vowed that
his administration is committed to ensuring that Nigeria
remains one indivisible country no matter the challenges
facing his government.
President Buhari made this known while addressing
stakeholders of the south east zone during the 6th
convocation ceremony of the Alex Ekwueme Federal
University, Ndufu Alike, FUNAI, that took place at the
Nnamdi Azikiwe convocation arena, Abakaliki capital of
Ebonyi State.
He stated that: “This underscores our emphasis on the
digital economy which led to the launch of e-Naria and
similar processes. I enjoin Nigerians especially the
academia to remain focused on the cardinal objective of
the university on Teaching and research.
“I assure you that the federal government will support
research efforts geared towards addressing local and
national challenges. My government is building bridges
of partnership and friendship with foreign governments in
all areas with a view to accelerating our national
development.”
President Buhari, who was represented by Prof. Chinedu
Nwajuba, a member of the NUC and former Vice-
Chancellor of FUNAI, added that his administration is
winning the war against terrorism and banditry among
other criminal activities in the country.
“In a similar manner, I urge Nigerian universities to take
advantage of the goodwill our nation has with the foreign
governments and investors due to the sincerity of this
government to partner with foreign universities in
strategic areas.
“Nigeria is the only country we have, in respect of our
ethnics, religious and cultural differences. My
government will continue to do the needful to ensure
that the country remains one. We are also winning the
war against terrorism, banditry and all other forms of
criminal activities.
“Our government will continue to ensure that citizens
remain safe and their livelihood secured in every part of
the country.
“Students should be committed to their studies and not
be distracted, while lectures should not only teach but
guide the students properly,” he stressed.
Earlier in a remark, the Chancellor of the varsity, HRH,
Oba Michael Aremu Adedotun, said the economic
development of the nation depends on the quality and
quantity of functional knowledge and sellable skills at
the disposal of the citizens as well as the quality of
research from the universities.
He noted that the quality of teaching and research of
lectures in the university meets global best practices at
all times.
Also, the Pro-chancellor and chairman of the governing
council, Emeritus Prof. Nimi Briggs commended the
management of the varsity for their decision to stick to
enduring values and timeless principles of responsibility,
which according to him, has contributed to the great
success of the varsity.
However, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Sunday Elom, said
much is still needed to be done especially as regards
faculty buildings, office blocks, lecture halls/theatre,
students’ hostel accommodation and staff quarters.
He called on the federal government to assist the
university to upgrade in all ramifications.
