The Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Prof. Kabir Bala, urged the Federal Government on Saturday to lift the employment embargo in order to address the institution’s manpower shortage. He emphasized that this shortage in academic units is adversely affecting the quality of teaching, research, and community service. Bala attributed the issue to government policies and the ongoing employment embargo. He made these remarks during the university’s 42nd convocation held in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Bala called on the Federal Government to lift the recruitment ban for universities to help bridge the widening gaps in manpower. He highlighted that ABU is facing significant challenges related to financial sustainability, exacerbated by the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing legal battles affecting its finances, and other government policies that pressure its financial standing. Additionally, he advocated for greater collaboration among all stakeholders to develop innovative strategies for the university’s smooth operation. The Vice Chancellor noted the importance of adopting long-term strategies for financial sustainability, which include revitalizing the endowment foundation.
During the convocation, Bala announced that a total of 35,758 candidates were eligible for conferment of first degrees, postgraduate diplomas, and higher degrees for the 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 sessions. Among these graduands, 8,842 received higher degrees, including 869 PhDs, 60 M.Phils, 6,179 Masters, and 1,734 Postgraduate Diplomas. He also mentioned that 26,916 students would receive Bachelor’s Degrees, with 273 graduating with First Class honors, 5,647 with Second Class Upper Division, 17,567 with Second Class Lower Division, 2,899 with Third Class honors, 45 with Pass degrees, and 485 unclassified degrees.
Earlier in the ceremony, Chancellor Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, encouraged the graduands to think creatively about self-employment rather than simply seeking traditional jobs with monthly salaries. He remarked that the 21st century is characterized by a digital and social revolution, where technology plays a crucial role in accessing various occupations and professions. Achebe pointed out that the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed numerous opportunities for talented individuals. He urged the graduates to seize these opportunities, make a positive impact on the world with innovative ideas, and recognize that their education at ABU has equipped them for self-fulfillment.
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