Muhammadu Buhari
•Leaders meet at university inauguration
Muhammad Bello and Mohammed Aminu
In what could be interpreted as the consolidation of a possible union between the breakaway faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC), the aggrieved governors of the ruling party and the leadership of the main opposition party yesterday converged on Sokoto for the inauguration of a state university.
The occasion, which was hosted by the Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Aliyu Wamakko, was attended by an array of APC leaders and some of the G7 governors of the New PDP.
Those in attendance included Major General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), former Lagos State Governor, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, acting National Chairman of the APC, Chief Bisi Akande, as well as former Borno State Governor, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff.
They were joined by former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, Governors Rabi'u Kwankwaso of Kano State, Murtala Nyako of Adamawa State, Sule Lamido of Jigawa, Chibuike Amaechi of Rivers State, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.
Also at the venue were the National Chairman of the New PDP Abubakar Baraje, National Secretary of the faction, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) National Chairman, Alhaji Yusuf Ali, and former Kebbi State Governor, Senator Adamu Aliero.
Although the inauguration was devoid of political statements, THISDAY learnt that the New PDP members and the APC leadership later held a meeting to thrash out issues that could pave the way for the aggrieved governors to join APC.
Speaking at the inauguration of the newly established Sokoto State University, which also had in attendance former President Shehu Shagari, former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, called on universities to go beyond awarding degrees to students to imparting skills that are relevant to the society.
He also called on Nigerians to give peace a chance, adding that without education, there would be no nation.
Abubakar said universities should do more than awarding degrees to students by introducing programmes and skills that would be relevant to the society.
According to him, programmes of any university that did not meet such criteria and relevance would be a sheer drain on resources of the society.
"A university's programme as a matter of fact is only relevant when it teaches skills that are relevant to the immediate needs and desires of the society. And for it to be able to do that, it has to integrate what is good in our society with international best practices and by asking what the needs of the society are," he said.
The former head of state urged the management of the state university to forge partnership with international organisations and reputable universities in the world.
Abubakar stressed that forging partnerships with foreign universities no matter the distance, would deepen unity and understanding between cultures and nations.
He emphasised that the universities could up the game in local content but with a global orientation in mind, saying this was the essence of modern universities.
Abubakar also appealed to Nigerians to give peace a chance so that the nation could move forward.
He expressed optimism that this university would be a centre of excellence for research and join the league of others to make Nigeria great among the committee of nations.
Tambuwal lauded Wamakko for his giant strides in the state and urged the management of the university to manage the facilities efficiently for the benefit of Nigerians.
Commenting on the milestone, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, said the caliphate was founded on knowledge and commended Wamakko for his foresight and vision.
In his remarks, the Sokoto State governor said the establishment of the state university would go a long way in meeting the long-term needs of the state and lay a solid foundation for generations yet unborn.
The governor pointed out that it was in view of the quest for excellence, that staff members were recruited from India, Egypt and Pakistan, among other countries.
He maintained that the university would operate devoid of any strike, as modalities had been put in place to prevent such occurrence.
On his part, Buhari described education as the bedrock of development and an important tool for a nation state to operate effectively in the global economy.
He expressed hope that Nigeria would soon be secured and managed efficiently, unlike the situation at the moment.
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