Buhari urges ASUU to embrace dialogue

President Muhammadu Buhari has urged members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to embrace dialogue in resolving conflicts to move the educational institutions forward.

The president, who made the call in his message to the 36th Convocation of the University of Ilorin held in Ilorin, also challenged Universities to conduct research to find an antidote for the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic.

Represented by Professor Ignatius Onimawo from the National University Commission (NUC), the president said no one gains from crisis situation.

According to him, his administration is willing to listen to complaints and alternative point of view to manage situation.

He said the University system can not withstand any crisis now considering the time it had lost to COVID-19 pandemic.

President Buhari also called on leadership and members of other Unions within and outside the University system to always give peace a chance.

He maintained that the administration has introduce the payment of N75,000 stipend per semester to students undergoing degree programme in Education in Public Universities across the country.

The president noted that a N50,000 stipend will also be paid to the National Certificate in Education (NCE) students to promote teachers education and raise the quality of education in the country.

He advised the graduands to used the skills acquired to contribute their quota to the development of the country.

In his remark the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council of University of Ilorin, Malam Abidu Yazid urged the graduands to adopt critical thinking and ensure they walk their dreams.

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