To this end, President Buhari appealed to the leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to assist the government in realising the target of improved education and credible certificates.
The President, who received the leadership in audience today, January 9, at the presidential Villa, Abuja, stressed the need for ASUU and its members nationwide to comply with “ongoing verification and validation of human resources in the universities, which will guarantee optimum output.”
President Buhari reminded them that the future of the country depends on quality education “and our certificates must be credible to inspire confidence.”
He said that constitutional provisions should be carefully studied and adhered to for more harmonious relationships, and standards that will promote efficiency.
The President directed the ministry of education to put in more effort in ensuring that Nigerian universities are properly funded, with adequate infrastructure and staffing.
This was even as the President of ASUU, Professor Ogunyemi said that the educational sector needed more Federal Government attention.
He said that implementation of agreements over the years will go a long way in improving the quality of education in the universities.
“Nigerian universities can make meaningful contributions to addressing the challenges of the country: economy, security and corruption, if given the opportunities.
“Appropriate funding level, competitive conditions of service, university autonomy and academic freedom are critical to creating such an atmosphere.
“With adequate and effective education, particularly university education, Nigerians will be less susceptible to manipulation, our economy will grow and problems of insecurity and corruption will be drastically reduced,.”
The ASUU President said that Nigeria could learn from countries like China, Malaysia and Singapore that have encouraged universities to drive their educational development through tripartite linkages of government, industries and universities called Triple Helix Principle.”
