President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday urged labour unions in the Nigerian university system to do their utmost best to address poor work ethics and industrial actions in the universities.
Tinubu stated that if left unchecked, it would depreciate the quality of academic programs in the universities and urged labour unions to address the problems.
Represented by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Professor Charles Igwe, the President spoke at the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike Ikwo, Ebonyi state, during the University’s 7th and 8th combined convocation.
He said his administration’s concern for industrial harmony and peace in the universities, urging unions to maintain harmony and peace.
Tinubu encouraged unions and labour associations to address poor work ethics and avoid industrial actions that could compromise academic programs.
He justified his decision to remove fuel subsidies, acknowledging short-term hardships but citing the need to address economic problems and absurdities like exporting crude oil only to import refined petroleum products.
The Vice Chancellor, Professor Sunday Elom, commended the President for his efforts to reposition the university system through policies like the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, Safe School Initiative, and exemption from IPPIS. Two notable Nigerians, Chief Martin Elechi and Chief Innocent Chukwuma, received Honorary Doctorate Degrees during the convocation.