Jonathan assures of improved standard of universities

From David Hassan, Gombe

President Goodluck Jonathan has stressed government commitment to ensure that all universities in the country benefit from the dividend of democracy.

This is even as he said that his administration would not relent in assisting Nigeria universities.

The President stated this at the weekend during second, third, fourth and fifth convocation ceremonies of Gombe state university.

He said federal government has been making frantic effort to ensure that they create enabling environment in order to improve the living standard of university students.

Represented by the Minister of Education, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, Jonathan also said his administration would not relent in improving infrastructural development for the progress of the country.

Speaking further, the president assured that his administration will continue to promote and enhance quality education to students, which according to him is one of the components of the transformation agenda that government is working on tirelessly to ensure that youth have sense of belonging in the society.

The President called on individuals and corporate bodies to compliment government efforts, even as he enjoined graduands of Gombe state university to build a strong Alumnus that will make graduates establish relationship with their Alma Mater.

He urged meaningful Nigerians within and outside Gombe to contribute to the progress and development of the university which has proven to be worthy of emulation.

Speaking at the event, Gombe state Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo said he will continue to give necessary support to the university, noting that government had already released funds for the payment of all entitlement for staff that was demanded by ASSU.

Also speaking, the Vice-Chancellor of Gombe state University, Prof. Abdullahi Mahadi emphasized that academic infrastructure of the university is one of their major challenge, which he said, the university

was founded on a constellation of many dilapidated building structure of former schools.

He solicited that the centre for entrepreneurial development studies in the school should help in creating liberty to students from current bondage of despondency, noting that the school is working hard to ensure that they assist students and discourage them from carrying along unproductive cultural baggage.

During the ceremony, no fewer than 2,200 students graduated from the university and three personalities were conferred with Doctorates degree. Among the beneficiaries were the former Executive Governor of Kaduna state, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, Prof.  Jonathan Andrew Nok and Dr. Musa Babayo.

Other dignitaries were the Minister of Transport, Representative of Bauchi state governor, Malam Isa Yuga, members of Gombe state House of Assembly among others.