Buhari challenges universities on COVID-19 antidote
By Saka Laaro, Ilorin
President Muhammadu Buhari has challenged the nation’s universities to conduct researches targeted at discovering an antidote to the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic in the interest of the nation.
Speaking at the grande finale of the 36th coronation ceremony of the University of Ilorin in Ilorin on Saturday, President Buhari, who is also the Visitor to the university, said that the nation’s universities have a role to play in the efforts at combating COVID-19 in the interest of the nation and humanity.
Represented by Professor Ignatius Onimawu of the National University Commission (NUC), the president said that nation expects nothing less from the Nigerian university system.
“While I expect us to abide by all the protocols given out by health authorities on COVID-19, our universities have a role to play in the efforts at combating it in the interest of the nation and humanity. I expect our universities to conduct researches targeted at discovering an antidote to it. Universities are expected to focus their research attention in challenges facing our societies and find practical solutions within the context of national development.
“I, therefore, challenge the universities to give their best in the fight against this common and unrelenting enemy of humanity. I enjoin our researchers to collaborate among themselves and look forward to bringing an effective solution to this medical challenge.
“The nation expects your university to play a leading role in the research efforts to develop COVID-19 antidote in Nigeria. The nation expects nothing less from the Nigerian university system.”
The President, who also appealed to leadership and members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) likewise other unions within and outside the university system to always give peace a chance, said that dialogue is always better than conflict.
“No one gains from crisis. While government alone cannot solve all challenges facing a society, this administration is willing to listen to complaints and alternative points of views to managing a situation. The university system cannot withstand any crisis now, considering the time it had lost ti coronavirus pandemic,” he said.
Also speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Professor Sulyman Age Abdulkareem, challenged the graduates to dare the odds by venturing into noble projects that could catapult them into prominence, said that life is all about risk taking.
“The reality is that white collar jobs are almost non-existent in Nigeria today and what the situation demands is critical thinking that can birth innovation and invention. The dynamism that characterises the human environment requires thinking outside the box.
“Therefore, you need to be creative. Creativity may involve doing it differently from the way others are doing it or have done it. You have a huge role to play in advancing the cause of Nigeria because you are a beacon of her hope.
“As products of our dear institution, therefore, you are expected to be in the vanguard of those that will pull Nigeria out of her numerous challenges. Instead of being job seekers, you are to be job providers.
“You should be part of those who will fill the yawning gap that is aching for attention. Getting yourselves involved in sharp practices is not the option but earning a legitimate income. Wealth without work will wither and wane eventually. It will surely be trailed by grievous consequences.”
