Zaria (Kaduna) Nov. 22, 2014 (NAN) President Goodluck Jonathan has tasked Nigerian universities to evolve sustainable strategies for entrepreneurial development among the youth.
He stated this on Saturday at the 37th convocation of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Samaru, Zaria.
Jonathan, who was represented by the Minister of Education, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau, said entrepreneurial development was cardinal to national growth and must be pursued diligently.
He said that government would continue to address the issue of employment for rapid economic growth.
“I urge you to let your training be relevant to the competitive labour market and entrepreneurial space that our growing economy provides.
“As graduates, you should apply your knowledge, skills and creativity to avail yourselves of the opportunities created by several policies of this administration,’’ he said.
Jonathan also urged Nigerian universities to always pursue goals that would facilitate unity, growth and corporate existence of Nigeria.
He described ABU as an embodiment of peace, unity and excellent service in view of its achievements in bringing people together irrespective of ethnicity and religion.
He charged both the council and management of the university to sustain the training of young Nigerians who would in turn use their ability to contribute to national growth and development.
While promising to increase access to quality education, Jonathan said his administration had increase admission intake into universities from 400,000 to more than one million.
The Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, said that the university produced 33 graduates with First Class degree 1,273 with Second Class Upper degree, 5,064 with Second Class Lower degree, 2,287 with Third Class degree and 183wit Pass degree.
Other granduates are 2,136 in Post-Graduate Diploma, 2, 339 in Masters Degree and in Doctoral degree.
He reminded the graduating students that by the conferment of higher degrees and diplomas on them, they had become members of more than 500,000 alumni that the university had produced in the last 50 years.
“I implore you to conduct yourself on the basis of solid character defined by humanity, honesty, dedication, respect, tolerance, moderation and sacrifice for the sake of others and the society.
“I also urge you to use the skills, knowledge and the good character you have acquired in ABU for the service of society and humanity.
“I am confident that the university has trained you to face greater challenges to secure a respectable life,’’ he said.(NAN)
