President Muhammadu Buhari has called on the Academic Staff Union of Universities ASUU to call off its seven-month strike to save the education sector from total collapse.
The President made the call at the special convocation ceremony for the conferment of Doctor of Letters on Dr. Muhammadu Indimi in Maiduguri.
President Muhammadu Buhari represented by his Chief of Staff Professor Ibrahim Gambari described the protracted strike by the academic staff as counter productive.
The President announced that real progress is being made is resolving the contentious issues that have set apart the federal government negotiators and leaders of the Union.
“Students wish to return to classes, their parents want their children to do so without any further delay. This nation cannot afford prolonged interruption of higher education for its youth thus undermine the development of our human capital in an increasingly competitive world” President Buhari stressed.
President Buhari expressed gratitude that peace is returning to Borno state and entire North East , assuring that security challenges confronting parts of the country will also be contained.
He then congratulated Alhaji Muhammadu Indimi on his conferment of Doctorate degree which coincide with his 75th birthday, describing the honor as a reward for his commitment to people and development of the country.
Vice Chancellor University of Maiduguri Professor Aliyu Shugaba observed that the continuous closure of the nation’s universities is causing irreversible damage to the future of students and reputation of the country.
“Appeal to Federal government and.ASUU as well as other Unions in the Universities to urgently resolve the ongoing stalemate in the overall best interest of our country, parents and students ” Professor Shugaba said.
Professor Aliyu Shugaba remarked the award was conferred on Dr Indimi because of his continuous effort in promoting educational development within and outside the country.
Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council Mr. Ballama Manu encouraged the alumni of University within and outside the shores of the country to provide intervention that will enhance, teaching, learning and research in the institution.
The Ceremony was attended by Wife of the President, Hajiya Aisha Buhari, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Governors, Deputy Governors, members of the national assembly, the Inspector General of Police Usman Alkali and other prominent personalities.
Dauda Iliya