WorldStage Newsonline– In spite of the abduction of three and killing of six lecturers while working with the NNPC team to explore for crude oil in the Lake Chad region of Nigeria, the University of Maiduguri said that it would not deny its services whenever the need arises.
The Vice Chancellor, Abubakar Njodi at the university’s 23 combined convocation in Maiduguri on Saturday that the university would not be discouraged by what happened.
“We are ready to mobilise to the site to continue with the assignment anytime security agencies fortify the environment for smooth exploration activities,” he said.
“We consider the oil exploration in the Chad Basin area as an important national assignment and we are commited to its actualisation, God willing.”
Njodi also confirmed that the Federal Government had committed N2.67 billion to enhance security in and around the university.
“We are delighted that the Federal Government has clearly demonstrated firm commitment to its onerous respinsibility of protection of lives and property of members of the university community,” he said.
“The action of the Federal executive Council in approving such amount of funds to the university is highly commendable.
“This gesture of support would no doubt spur us into greater services and sacrifices to nation and our responsibilities.”
He lamented that insurgency had crippled the political, social and economic spheres of governance in the country.
He observed that its impact was enormous with devastating psychological implications in Borno.
He reiterated the commitment of the university to continue its normal academic activities in spite of the attacks on the institution.
He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the special support and encouragement to the university, saying, “We assure the Federal Government of our total commitment to promoting national development through quality manpower training and insightful research.”
