President Muhammadu Buhari, on Saturday challenged the Academic Staff
Union of Universities (ASUU) to first of all tackle the issues of sorting, plagiarism as well as sexual harassment allegedly bedevilling some of the Universities in the country rather than directing their criticisms only on perceived inadequacies of government.
Buhari stated this while speaking at the 25th convocation ceremony of
the University of Uyo, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State held at the institution’s main campus along Nwaniba road, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Represented by the Executive Secretary National Universities Commission, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, the President said it was disturbing for ASUU to look away from issues of plagiarism, sorting
and sexual harassment plaguing the university system, adding that such
aspect of academic corruption should also be of concern to ASUU. .
According to the statement, “Permit me to share my thought with the Academic Staff Union of Universities. I commend them for being a loud voice for the revitalization of university education in Nigeria over the years.
“However, I want to challenge them to throw their searchlight on the
issues of corporate governance of their various institutions.
“It would amount to unwholesome critical posturing if their criticism is directed at the perceived failure of government alone while they look away at obvious governance inadequacies of their own institution,
right under their nose.
“It would give credence and credibility to their fearless critical stance with regard to government if they address internal university management flaws with equal and unsparing forthrightness.
“It is very disheartening to hear about the increase in incidents of plagiarism, sorting and sexual harassment in many universities in the country. These aspects of academic corruption should also be of concern to ASUU and indeed the academia as a whole.
“We should be able to look up to the university as a citadel of probity, accountability, transparency, critical inquiry and freedom.“
In his good will message, Governor of Akwa Ibom State,Udom Emmanuel
lauded the significant strides the University of Uyo had made over the
years and pledged that his administration would continue to support
development efforts of the institution.
“Let me commend the management of the University for the strides
recorded academic and physical development over the years. We have
supported this institution before but we will continue to support you
for greater heights” Emmanuel said.
In his address, the Vice chancellor of the University, Prof Enefiok
Essien, congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari, the Governor of Akwa
Ibom Udom Emmanuel and Chancellor of the University, Alh. Abubakar
Maje for their unwavering commitment to the development of the
institution.
He said the University has made steady progress over the years
recording great feats in so many fields of endeavours adding that to
meet the changing needs of the larger society, the university evolved
new academic programmes, create new departments and modified new ones
to accommodate global best practices.
The Professor of law who noted the institution had made significant
progress in physical development and staff welfare however, lamented
inadequate funding for the university.
He said the university despite repeated plea and requests was not
given any take—off grant at creation saying that has contributed
greatly to the inability of the institution to meet challenges of
security and expansion.
