Cleric Urges Nigerian Leaders To Fund Varsities’ Research

The chancellor of Salem University in Lokoja, Kogi State, Archbishop Sam Amaga, has called on Nigerian leaders to intensify effort in funding university education to enable it to become engines of development and not mere factories of certificates.

Archbishop Amaga made the call on Friday during the 7th convocation ceremony of Salem University, Lokoja, Kogi State.

The chancellor said governments at all levels have roles to play in advancing the cause of education in the country, pointing out that quality education would enable Nigeria citizens to acquire the practical knowledge that would make them employable and employers of labour.

“We have taken the lead at Salem University by putting in place machines and machinery that make sure our change agents and global leaders fulfill their potentials in full.

“They have the conviction to do it; they have the divine connection to make change happen, to make results possible. They are trained to make exploits not excuses, to produce results not reasons” he stated.

Speaking further, Amaga stated that since the last convocation, Salem University has continued to advance in its mandate of academic excellence and moral transformation.

“The most remarkable piece of information that we are glad to share with you is that we are grateful to God that the National Universities Commission (NUC) successfully resource-verified our Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme, and affirmed and asserted that it should go on unhinged and uninterrupted.”

He added that Salem runs a selected College of Medical, adding that they are ready to produce medical doctors and other health professionals that will minister to the health needs of our people.

The acting pro-chancellor and chairman of the Governing Council, Bishop Enobong Etteh, in his speech, said the university was founded to raise leaders who are spiritually grounded, intellectually alert, and socially responsible, affirming that the graduates of the institution are change agents equipped to transform their world.