President Muhammadu Buhari has charged Universities in the country to contribute to national development and come up with solutions like in Europe to tackle the scourge of covid-19

The president who expressed optimism that the country would soon survive the security, economic, social and other problems bedevilling the country, urged the citizens to be committed to contributing their quota in the development of the country.

He assured management of universities that his government is incurably committed to tackling cases of sexual harassment, extortion, kidnapping and killings militating against the Nigerian university system.

Speaking at the Federal University, Oye Ekiti (FUOYE) on Saturday, during the combined 5th and 6th convocation ceremonies, Buhari, represented by a Director in the National Universities Commission, Mr John Ahmadu, said nothing will be spared to make the universities a safe teaching grounds for the country’s scholars and professionals.

He said, “My administration will, as always, continue to welcome constructive criticisms from all Nigerians on how to address our country’s various challenges.

“The stories emanating from some of our campuses, such as sexual harassment, extortion, plagiarism and other forms of intellectual fraud and corruption are totally unacceptable. The Unions can do more to assist in addressing these issues, for a much better university system.

“Security has also become a major concern in our universities in recent times. Specifically, insurgency, rural banditry, kidnapping, armed robbery and a host of others have been on the ascendancy, threatening national security and stability. These condemnable acts are now gradually being extended to our universities, with cases of kidnapping in some ivory towers.

“As a Government, while sympathising with the management, staff and students of the affected universities, as well as the families of affected staff and students, let me use this opportunity to reassure all Nigerians that their security remains our utmost priority. We will stop at nothing to put an end to these dastardly acts.”