Prioritise Technology For Global Relevance, TETFund Board Chair Urges Varsities

The chairman, Board of Trustees of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and former governor of Katsina State, Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, has called on Nigerian universities to intensify the deployment of technology in order to produce graduates with skills relevant to global competitiveness.

Masari stated this at the 17th convocation ceremony of Al-Qalam University, Katsina, where he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Public Administration in recognition of his contributions to public service, education, human capital development and leadership.

He also stressed the importance of moral discipline and strong institutional structures, describing them as essential foundations for both educational advancement and national development.

According to the TETFund BoT Chairman, embracing technology is no longer a choice but a necessity for the continued relevance of higher education institutions and the country at large.

“In today’s world, a deliberate tilt towards technology is not optional, it s inevitable. The number of graduates produced annually by our universities demand a robust paradigm shift; one that ensures that our graduates are adequately equipped with relevant skills to compete in an increasingly dynamic inter-connected global environment.

“Our youths must be challenged to embrace modern technology and through its mastery, develop innovative solutions for agriculture, security, service delivery, health care, mineral exploration and other critical drivers of national development,” he said.

While responding to the honour, Masari expressed gratitude to the university community and acknowledged the foresight of those who founded the institution.

The former governor and one-time Speaker of the House of Representatives advised political actors to exercise restraint and uphold leadership driven by patriotism, purpose and commitment to national progress, especially as the country moves closer to another election cycle.

He warned that recent global developments had demonstrated that even established democracies could experience political instability when competition is allowed to spiral without checks, adding that national interest must always outweigh personal ambition.