Varsity graduates to benefit from farming loans – President Tinubu
By Faith Awa Maji, Katsina
President Bola Tinubu says as part of efforts to curb the rise of the unemployed youth across Nigeria his administration is ready to give loans to university graduates who are willing to go into full time farming and mining.
He said Federal Government is working tirelessly to unlock the potential in agricultural and mining sectors of the economy hence the need to provide loans for the graduates.
President Tinubu made this known at the weekend during the seventh and eight combined convocation ceremony of the Federal University Dutsinma (FUDMA), Katsina State.
He spoke through his representative at the programme, the Vice Chancellor, Federal University Dutse, Jigawa State, Professor Abdulkarim Mohammed.
According to him “in this regard, government has mandated the National Universities Commission to develop a blueprint through the new Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standard (CCMAS) that will respond promptly to the rapid changing skill needs in the labour market.
“Such effort should identify and develop new strategic initiative in skill development and training that will facilitate effective collaboration between universities and employers of labour.
“And it will also improve long time opportunity and aspiration of educating young people and aspire value entrepreneanuership related carriers.
“It is pertinent to emphasise that present administration is committed in tackling the challenge of unemployment particularly among the graduands of our tertiary institutions.”
The President further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment towards tackling the insecurity situation in the country. “This administration is fully committed and determined to combat and defeat all acts of terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities in the country especially in this part (north) of this country.
“However, this cannot be achieved without the support of and cooperation of all Nigerians.
“Security is a collective responsibility and I therefore appeal to all Nigerians to join hands with the government by giving useful information to security agents.”
“The issue of funding universities in Nigeria is a challenge especially at this time when the country is facing economic challenges.
“The funding of universities cannot be done by government alone.
“All universities should seriously consider more efficient way of resource mobilisation to improve their IGR and find ways to attract funds for research across the world.”
A total of 4,365 students graduated from various degrees at the ceremony alongside 401 post-graduate and 11 PhD students.
Earlier in his address, the FUDMA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Armaya’u Hamish Bichi, said the university has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU with the University of West Georgia, United States of America, designed to boost teaching, learning and research which will last for an initial period of five years.
Emirs of Daura, Alh. Farouk Umar Farouk in Katsina State, Bichi, Alh. Nasir Ado Bayero in Kano State alongside the former Governor of Katsina State, Barr. Shehu Ibrahim Shema were awarded with Honourary Doctorates Degree during the conversation ceremony.
