Shettima Calls For End To Incessant Strikes, Emphasizes Dialogue In Resolving Labour Disputes

Vice President, Kashim Shettima has urged for a cessation of utilising strikes as a method to convey grievances against the government.

He delivered this message while representing President Bola Tinubu, who was a distinguished guest, at the 24th combined convocation of the University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID) in Borno State.

“It is no longer fashionable to insist on confrontation as a tool for demanding improved welfare conditions for your members,” he said on Saturday.

“Incessant strikes are very detrimental to the system, and so the option for dialogue must remain paramount in resolving any issue or crisis.”

In his statement, he emphasised that the Federal Government is consistently prepared to engage in dialogue with unions across the country to address labour-related issues.

The vice president also advocated for collaborative efforts to finance the nation’s education system, emphasising that the government alone cannot accomplish this task.

Shettima and three distinguished Nigerians received an honorary doctorate from the university, which is hosting its inaugural convocation since the 2018/2019 academic session.

During the event, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Aliyu Shugaba, urged the graduating students to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset.

“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.”

More than thirty-three thousand students successfully graduated and received certificates from the university, with one hundred and forty-seven achieving first-class honours.

A detailed breakdown of the graduating cohort reveals that eight hundred and seventeen students earned master’s degrees, while one hundred and thirteen obtained PhDs. Additionally, others were conferred with undergraduate degrees from the main university and affiliated colleges.