President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to combatting all forms of banditry, kidnapping, and related criminal activities in Nigeria.
Addressing attendees at the 9th Convocation Ceremony of the Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, in Katsina State on Saturday, Tinubu emphasized that achieving national security is a shared responsibility and urged citizens to actively participate in the fight against crime.
Represented by the Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Dutse, Jigawa State, Prof. Abdulkarim Mohammed, the President stressed that citizens have a vital role in aiding security efforts by providing timely and relevant information to law enforcement.
“I want to assure all Nigerians that the government is fully committed to combat and defeat all acts of terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities in Nigeria,” Tinubu stated. “However, security is a collective responsibility. I urge all Nigerians to join hands with the government by giving them relevant information to security agents on suspicious persons, miscreants, and other criminal elements.”
President Tinubu also addressed Nigeria’s youth, encouraging them to utilize the Nigerian Loan Scheme, which has already disbursed over N70 billion.
He reminded the audience that the progress of governance extends beyond leadership positions, highlighting that the future of Nigeria relies on its citizens. “Governance is not about the presidency or those in places of leadership but about Nigeria and Nigerians, who will make the country better,” he noted.
In his remarks to the graduating students, Tinubu urged them to act as ambassadors of their institution and the country, demonstrating integrity wherever they go. He also advised university lecturers to adopt modern teaching methods incorporating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to foster the next generation of Nigerian leaders.
Earlier, Prof. Armaya’u Bichi, the Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Dutsin-Ma, highlighted ongoing security challenges faced by the institution. Due to recent insecurity in the area, the university has been forced to operate out of its initial take-off campus, which lacks sufficient facilities for its 14 faculties and numerous staff and students. “The security situation in and around Dutsin-Ma has made us abandon the main campus and crowd ourselves at the take-off campus,” Bichi stated.
The Chancellor of the university, King Jaja of Opobo, Dandeson Douglas, echoed these concerns, calling for increased support to meet the institution’s needs.
He announced initiatives to boost the university’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), such as the establishment of a Consultancy Unit, Micro Finance Bank, Pure Water Factory, Staff Primary and Secondary Schools, and a Printing Press.
"I will continue to engage the Federal Government, philanthropic organizations, stakeholders, private organizations, NGOs, businessmen, and the university's Alumni to solicit support," Douglas pledged.
FUDMA celebrated the graduation of 297 postgraduate students, with 18 receiving Ph.D.s, 226 Master’s degrees, and 53 earning professional diplomas.
Additionally, out of 4,282 undergraduate students, 44 achieved first-class honors, 872 secured second class upper honors, 2,273 received second class lower, 1,076 earned third class degrees, and 17 obtained pass degrees.
