President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to combating banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality throughout Nigeria.
Speaking at the 9th Convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Dutsinma in Katsina State, Tinubu emphasized that addressing insecurity requires not only government action but also citizen participation. He urged Nigerians to aid security operatives by reporting suspicious activities.
Represented by the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State, Prof. Abdulkarim Mohammed, Tinubu appealed to the youth to take advantage of the Nigerian Loan Scheme, noting that over N70 billion has been disbursed through the program.
“Governance is not solely about the presidency or leaders but about Nigeria and Nigerians, who are instrumental in driving the country’s progress,” he said.
Assuring Nigerians of the government’s commitment, he stated, “I want to assure all Nigerians that the government is fully committed to combat and defeat all acts of terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities in Nigeria.”
He continued, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility: “Security is a collective responsibility. I urge all Nigerians to join hands with the government by providing relevant information to security agents about suspicious persons, miscreants, and other criminal elements.”
Tinubu also encouraged graduating students to serve as positive representatives of their institution and the nation wherever they find themselves.
Addressing university lecturers, he urged them to embrace modern teaching methods and utilize Information Communication Technology to prepare future leaders.
The Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Dutsinma, Prof. Armaya’u Bichi, highlighted the security challenges that have forced the university to relocate all activities to its smaller take-off campus.
“The security situation in and around Dutsin-Ma in recent times has made us abandon the main campus and crowd ourselves at the take-off campus, which is grossly inadequate for the 14 faculties, staff, and students,” he noted.
Chancellor and Convocation Chairman, King Jaja of Opobo, Dandeson Douglas, echoed these concerns, urging the President to address the insecurity affecting the university community.
He also outlined the institution’s efforts to improve its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) through the establishment of a Consultancy Unit, Micro Finance Bank, Pure Water Factory, Staff Primary and Secondary Schools, and a Printing Press.
Douglas stated, “I will continue to engage the Federal Government, philanthropic organizations, private sector stakeholders, NGOs, businessmen, and the Alumni of the university to solicit support for the university’s needs.”
FUDMA celebrated the graduation of 297 postgraduate students, including 18 Ph.D. recipients, 226 Master’s graduates, 53 Professional Diplomas, and PGD holders.
Among the 4,282 undergraduate graduates, 44 achieved first-class honors, 872 earned second-class upper, 2,273 received second-class lower, 1,076 attained third class, and 17 graduated with pass degrees.
