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In line with the Federal Government’s decision to stop funding of federal universities very soon, President Goodluck Jonathan has asked authorities of the institutions to be innovative, thereby complementing government’s efforts.
Jonathan, who stated this yesterday while speaking at the 28th convocation of the Universty of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), said government expected judicious utilisation of funds and it would no longer be business as usual in Federal universities.
The convocation was also attended by the Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, and his wife, Judith, who represented Dame Patience Jonathan; Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, and the Chancellor of UNIPORT, De Wheno Aholu, Menu-Toyi1, the Oba Akran of Badagry, among other eminent personalities.
The President, who was represented by the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i, stated that the graduands had been fully equipped to be able to stand as self-reliant individuals.
He said: “Be generators of employment, rather than populating the unemployment market. Seek opportunities for entrepreneurial engagements. We are laying emphasis on Public/Private Partnership (PPP) in reducing unemployment.
“Managements of Nigerian universities must be innovative, to complement government’s efforts. Government expects judicious use of public funds. It should no longer be business as usual in Federal universities”.
Jonathan also said he was delighted to be at the convocation, both as an alumnus and a visitor, while congratulating the graduands and their families for the achievements, saying UNIPORT is known for academic excellence.
In his remarks, the Acting Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of UNIPORT, Dr. Walter Eneji, admonished the graduands and graduates of the institution to be good ambassadors of Unique UNIPORT.
Eneji also urged the Federal Government to increase the university’s funding profile, considering the critical role of funding universities these days, while lauding President Jonathan for his good leadership ability and for his interest in his alma mater (UNIPORT).
