The University System Cannot Withstand Another Strike – Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari called on the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to always embrace dialogue rather than strike.

In his speech at the 36th graduation ceremony of the University of Ilorin on Saturday 23rd October, the president, represented by Professor Ignatius Onimawo, said that Nigerian universities could not afford another confrontation strike for the time they have lost due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Buhari said no one benefits from a crisis and the government alone cannot solve all the challenges facing society.

He said;

“Let me also use this opportunity to appeal to members of the academic staff of our universities to embrace peace.

“They should realize that dialogue is always better than conflict. No one gains from the crisis. While government alone cannot solve all challenges facing society, this administration is willing to listen to complaints and alternative points of view to managing a situation.

“The university system cannot withstand any crisis now considering the time it had lost to Coronavirus pandemic.”

The President also stated that universities have a role to play in the efforts at combating the Coronavirus pandemic.

Buhari added;

“I expect our universities to conduct researches targeted at discovering an antidote to it. Universities are expected to focus their research on challenges facing our societies and find practical solutions within the context of national development.

“I therefore challenge the Universities to give their best in the fight against this common and unrelenting enemy of humanity. I enjoin our researchers to collaborate among themselves and look forward to bringing an effective solution to this medical challenge.

“The nation expects University of Ilorin to play a leading role in the research efforts to develop Covid 19 in Nigeria.

“The nation expects nothing less from the Nigerian University system.”