President Bola Tinubu has challenged Nigerian universities to develop technological tools necessary to enhance the detection and tracking of security breaches in the country.

Mr Tinubu made the call on Saturday at the  26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 30th and 31st combined convocation ceremony of Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (JOSTUM) in Makurdi.

Represented by Tanko Ishaya, Vice Chancellor, University of Jos, Mr Tinubu said combating  insecurity in the 21st century has gone beyond the physical running around by security operatives carrying guns to trace criminals.

The president said that the world has advanced to a level that the country needs her universities to develop technology to help address the lingering security challenges.

“My administration is also not unaware of the security challenges faced by this university and is determined to continue to do its best to make all institutions of learning across the country conducive and safe for all learners and managers of educational institutions.

“Let me throw a challenge to our academics who need to work and develop tools and materials necessary to enhance the detection and tracking of security breaches to make our country safe.

“The combat of insecurity in the 21st century has gone beyond the physical running around by security operatives carrying guns to trace crime perpetrators.

“Our universities should therefore be engaged in research aimed at the production and utilisation of drones and other technology-driven solutions to help combat the menace of insecurity on our campuses and beyond.

“The Nigerian military is doing an excellent job in this direction, and we shall continue to support them in all ramifications,” he said.

Mr Tinubu stated that his administration would continue to give education a priority with improved funding through capital appropriation and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund.

He, however, urged the managers of the universities to be accountable and prudent in the application of the resources available to them.

The president described universities of agriculture as specialised universities that must also key into the agriculture and livestock transformation effort of his administration for maximum impact.

“The concept of agriculture as a food producing tool cannot continue to be relegated to the subsistence level if we are to ensure food security for our people.

“Commercial and mechanised agriculture must become our way of life.

“The training of manpower in agriculture, collaboration with organisations, and the development and release of improved crop varieties by the university should be consistent to align with the policy of my administration to tackle and address national food insecurity.

“The title of the convocation lecture “The Complex Relationship Between Insecurity and Food Systems in Nigeria” is well chosen to enlighten everyone on the menace of food shortfalls and its complexities.

“Once again, I commend the various collaborators who have continued to interface with the university towards the actualisation of the federal government agenda for national self-sufficiency in food production and job creation and enjoin you to do even better,” he said.

He commended the efforts of the JOSTUM management to bring in innovations and development in spite of the global economic recession and insecurity being experienced around the world, including Nigeria.

Mr Tinubu said that the FG realised that education and security were the best tools for development and civilisation in any society.

The president congratulated the graduates and urged them to use their wealth of knowledge in contemporary skills in agriculture to provide services and expertise that would create wealth for them. and employment for youths. 

(NAN)