Buhari: We expect Nigeria’s specialised varsities to drive agric sector

President Muhammadu Buhari has charged all universities of agriculture Nigeria to bridge the gap of food insecurity towards addressing the nation’s dependence on imported foods.

According to NAN, Buhari spoke on Saturday at the 10th convocation ceremony of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike (MOUAU), Abia state.

The president, who is a visitor to the university, was represented by Mohammed Abubakar, the minister of agriculture and rural development.

He said specialised universities must play their role in accelerating the development of the agricultural sector so as to help the federal government achieve its goal of realising a sustainable green economy.

Buhari, who admitted that Nigeria is currently facing challenges of funding, said the government was looking up to the universities as the lead drivers of the agricultural sector.

At the event, Shehu Abubakar, MOUAU chancellor, lauded Buhari and the university management for the smooth running of the institution.

Maduebibisi Iwe, the varsity’s vice-chancellor (VC), who also spoke at the event, said the university was graduating a total of 6,606 students.

He said 4,115 belong to the 2018/2019 academic year at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

In his breakdown, Iwe, who is the sixth VC, said 5,817 obtained bachelor’s degrees, 92 had a postgraduate diploma, 454 had a master’s degree, and 243 were awarded a doctoral degree.

“Out of the 5,817 first degree graduands, 92 obtained first-class honours,,1775 with second class honours (upper division), 2,905 had a second class honours lower division, 1226 with third class and 18 with a pass,” he added.

According to the VC, the university has recorded many breakthroughs but needs a significant infusion of funds to upgrade its physical environment.