President Tinubu Advocates for Education and Security as Pillars of National Development

UNIVERSITY OF JOS

(OFFICE OF THE VICE-CHANCELLOR)

INFORMATION, PUBLICATIONS, PUBLIC RELATIONS & PROTOCOL DIVISION

PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU ADVOCATES FOR EDUCATION AND SECURITY AS PILLARS OF NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

President Bola Tinubu has described Education and Security as the fundamental tools for development and civilization in any society. President Tinubu therefore emphasized the Federal Government's commitment to prioritizing Education and enhancing Security measures across Nigerian Academic institutions.

The President stated this in an address delivered during the 26th to 31st Combined Convocation Ceremonies of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue State.

Represented by  Vice-Chancellor, University of Jos, Professor Tanko Ishaya, President Tinubu highlighted the importance of sustained funding for educational institutions, asserting that the Federal Government will enhance Capital Appropriations and provide more support through the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETfund).

While stressing that his Administration will ensure that institutions of learning in the country are conducive for both Students and Staff, President Tinubu, who is the Visitor to the University, stressed the need for proactive Security measures that protect Educational environments.

The President called upon Nigerian Academics and Researchers to focus on developing innovative tools and materials to improve the detection and tracking of Security breaches. He particularly encouraged the Research and production of Drones and other technology-driven solutions aimed at combatting insecurity on University campuses and beyond, recognizing the vital role of technology in modern-day Security strategies.

Furthermore, President Tinubu directed Universities, particularly those specializing in Agriculture, to align their Research with the Federal Government's initiatives in Agriculture and Livestock Transformation, which are seen as vital for transforming the economy. The President, who congratulated the Graduands on their Academic achievements, urged them to harness their skills and knowledge to tackle the food insecurity challenges facing the nation.

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM), Senator Joy Emordi, stated that the University is committed to liberalizing access to new Agricultural technologies through an integrated approach to Teaching, Research, and Extension services. This, she noted, aligns with the Tinubu Administration's goal to diversify the economy, moving away from oil dependency and towards Agricultural advancement.

Senator Emordi disclosed that the institution has established partnerships with Agro-Entrepreneurs to promote mechanized farming and the massive production of high-yielding varieties of Cereals and Legumes. She expressed gratitude to the University's Management, Staff, Students, and the various Campus Unions for their collaboration in achieving progress and development within the institution.  

In his address, Vice-Chancellor, JOSTUM, Engr Professor Isaac Itodo, explained that due to the unprecedented effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, several graduating classes had not been formally convocated but that the Certificates of all the accumulated graduating sets were now ready for collection having fulfilled all the requirements for graduation.

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted that the joint Convocation Ceremony is witnessing the graduation of a total of 22,027 Students comprising over 15,000 Students who obtained conventional Bachelor Degrees, about 2,000 with Sandwich Bachelor Degrees, and about 4,500 with Postgraduate Degrees.

According to Professor Itodo, Two Hundred Graduands earned prestigious First-Class Honours while over 3,500 Graduands received Second-Class Honours (Upper Division). Additionally, more than 7,600  were awarded Second-Class Honours (Lower Division), over 3,600 secured Third-Class Degrees, and about 240 received a Pass. Similarly, 150 Graduands obtained unclassified Degrees as Doctors of Veterinary Medicine, marking significant accomplishments in this field.

For the Postgraduate Students, about 440  were awarded Doctorate Degrees, more than 2,000 received Masters Degrees, while about 2,000 were conferred with Postgraduate Diplomas.

Signed

Abdullahi Abdullahi

Senior Deputy Registrar (Information and Publications)