Vice President Kashim Shettima has demanded that the nation’s unions stop using strikes as a vehicle to air their grievances against the government, asserting that the federal administration is always open to communication in order to address labor-related concerns.
At the 24th combined convocation of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), in Borno State, Shettima spoke on behalf of the visiting President Bola Tinubu. He said, “It is no longer fashionable to insist on confrontation as a tool for demanding improved welfare conditions for your members.”
“Dialogue must always be the first step in resolving any issue or crisis, as strikes are very detrimental to the system.”
The vice president further urged cooperation in funding the country’s educational system, stating that the government cannot accomplish it on its own.
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Shettima received an honorary doctorate degree from the institution, which is having its first convocation since the 2018–2019 academic year, along with three other distinguished Nigerians.
Prof. Aliyu Shugaba, the university’s vice chancellor, encouraged the graduating students to pursue entrepreneurship during the occasion by stating,“Every success in life brings with it challenges. You are graduating today, our nation is faced with myriads of problems. I believe the university has adequately prepared you to contribute to proffering solutions to these problems,” he said.
“The era when graduates look up to the government for answers to all problems is fast fading. I encourage you to specifically utilise your entrepreneurial training in the university to decide your employability status. Start an enterprise, no matter how small your capital or idea is.”
The institution gave certificates to about thirty-three thousand graduates, of whom one hundred and forty-seven received first class honours.
