President Jonathan Has Delivered on His Promise of 9 New Federal Universities – Education Minister
President Gooluck Jonathan has delivered on his promise to establish and see to the take off of nine new universities in line with his emphasis on the transformation of the country through education.
This was contained in a statement by Mr. Agidike Abdul Onu, the Press Secretary to the Minister of Education, Prof. Ruqayyatu Ahmed Rufa’i,
According to Onu, Rufa’i, disclosed this Tuesday while speaking at the matriculation ceremony of 217 students admitted into the newly established Federal University in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State where she stated that the Federal Government recognises the fact that meaningful development cannot be achieved without access to quality education.
Rufa’I commended the Katsina State Government for the prompt release of the take-off site, grant of N1 billion for renovation of structures inherited within the site and donation of a fully-furnished hostel, all of which she said contributed to the take-off of academic activities in the university.
The minister congratulated the matriculating students for being pioneers of the institution even as she challenged them and indeed the entire university system to be above board in academics and character, assuring them that government on its part was very determined to nurture it to maturity.
Rufa’i announced that the bill establishing the new universities has been passed by the National Assembly and would soon be signed into law by the President.
The governor of Katsina State, Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema, said the priority attention accorded the education sector since 2009 in the state was not misplaced; noting that within the period, two universities had been established by the state and federal governments respectively.
The Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission. Prof. Julius Okojie was equally overwhelmed that the new university project which was pronounced by President Goodluck Jonathan in 2010 like a dream has become a reality within a short time.
He enjoined the host community to contribute to the growth of the university to serve them better.
Earlier, Vice-Chancellor of the University, Prof. James Ayatse, said that the 217 students were admitted into three initial faculties namely: Science and Education, Arts, Management and Social Science and Agriculture & Agricultural Technology.
He announced various rewards for students who excel in their academics including, scholarship awards, appearance on honour list and automatic employment for students who graduate with first class.
- ThisDay
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