The Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, has called for a cessation of strikes as a method of expressing grievances against the government. He made these remarks while representing President Bola Tinubu as the visitor at the 24th combined convocation of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) in Borno State.
During his speech on Saturday, Vice President Shettima stated, “It is no longer fashionable to insist on confrontation as a tool for demanding improved welfare conditions for your members. Incessant strikes are very detrimental to the system, and so the option for dialogue must remain paramount in resolving any issue or crisis.”
The Vice President emphasized that the Federal Government is always willing to engage in dialogue with unions in the country to address labor-related concerns. He further called for collaborative efforts in funding the nation’s education system, highlighting that the government alone cannot bear the responsibility.
Vice President Shettima, alongside three distinguished Nigerians, was honored with an honorary doctorate degree by the university, marking UNIMAID’s first convocation since the 2018/2019 academic session.
At the event, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Aliyu Shugaba, urged the graduating students to embrace entrepreneurship, stating, “Every success in life brings with it challenges. You are graduating today, and our nation is faced with myriad problems. I believe the university has adequately prepared you to contribute to finding solutions to these problems.”
He added, “The era when graduates relied solely on the government for answers to all problems is fast fading. I encourage you to leverage your entrepreneurial training in the university to determine your employability status. Start an enterprise, no matter how small your capital or idea.”
More than thirty-three thousand students received their certificates during the convocation, with one hundred and forty-seven graduating with first-class honors. The graduating students included eight hundred and seventeen master’s degree recipients and one hundred and thirteen PhD holders, along with those who obtained undergraduate degrees from the university and its affiliate colleges.
This occasion served as a moment of celebration and reflection, as the graduates were recognized for their achievements and their potential to contribute positively to society.
