By Demola Akinyemi

ILORIN—PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has challenged the nation’s universities to complement the efforts of the federal government in upgrade in infrastructure, teaching materials and research equipment by attracting private sector cooperation and investment.

President Jonathan, who gave the charge at the grand finale of the 30th convocation ceremony of University of Ilorin yesterday, was represented by Minister of Education, Alhaji Ibrahim Shekarau.

He noted that “the universities should be repositories of vibrant and cost effective solutions for the private sector ;but only the right steps can secure the best relationships in this regard”.

He said he was aware of the problem of unemployment facing the youth in Nigeria and that his administration was determined to tackle it squarely.

According to him, “our universities as centres for generating, imparting and applying knowledge should effectively key into the Transformation Agenda to enhance social development programmes by leading the way in relevant research, training and manpower development needs of our country.”

The President commended the achievements of the university, ranked first in Nigeria, 20th best university in Africa and 1,842 in the world, based on 2014 University Web Ranking conducted by the 4 International Colleges and universities, 4ICU.

“I commend you for not allowing negative forces from outside to disturb the peace and stability which this university enjoys. I urge you never to waiver in the drive to achieve excellence,” he stressed.