President Muhammadu Buhari has challenged universities of agriculture in the country to bridge the gap of food insecurity and address the nation’s dependence on imported foods.
He said the specialised universities must play their crucial role in catalysing the development of the agricultural sector, to help Federal Government achieve its goal of sustainable green economy.
Buhari said this, last Saturday, at the 10th Convocation ceremony of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU), Abia State.
The president, who is the visitor to the university, was represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammed Abubakar.
He said the government was looking up to the universities as lead drivers of the agricultural sector.
Buhari, who admitted that Nigeria was currently facing challenge of funding, however, said that its endowments were far greater than constraints.
In his remarks, MOUAU Chancellor, Alhaji Shehu Abubakar, commended Buhari and the university management for the smooth running of the institution.
Abubakar, who is the Emir of Gombe, congratulated the graduands, and urged them to be ambassadors of the university anytime.
He commended the university host communities for their cooperation, and called on relevant government agencies to extend helping hands in alleviating problems hindering fast development of the school.
Earlier in his address, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Maduebibisi Iwe, disclosed that the university was graduating a total of 6,606 students, with 4,115 belonging to the 2018/2019 academic year at the undergraduate and post graduate levels.
Iwe, who is the sixth vice-chancellor, in his breakdown, said 5,817 obtained bachelor’s degree, 92 with postgraduate diploma, 454 had master’s degree while 243 were awarded with doctoral degree.
“Out of the 5,817 first degree graduands, 92 obtained first class honours, 1,775 with second class honours upper division, 2,905 had second class honours lower division, 1,226 with third class and 18 with pass,” he said.
Iwe said the university had recorded many breakthroughs, but called for significant infusion of funds for the upgrade of its physical environment.
The university conferred honorary degrees on four distinguished Nigerians in recognition of their positive contributions to the society.
The awardees are: the Ajagbusi-Ekun of Iloko-Ijesa, Osun State, Oba Akeem Ogungbangbe; Founder, UYK Nigeria, Alhaji Usman Kansila; Founder and Chairman of Coscharis Group, Dr Cosmas Maduka; and Founder and Managing Director of Eunisell, Mr Chika Ikenga.