President Goodluck Jonathan has called on Nigerian universities to be committed to, and embark on, relevant research that will solve the immediate technological, economic, social, educational and health needs of the country.

President Jonathan, who is the Visitor to the Federal University of Technology, Akure, FUTA, made this call at the institution’s combined 25th and 26th convocation.

The President, who was represented by Professor Peter Onwualu of the National Universities Commission, NUC, said: “Universities play critical roles in the attainment of societal growth and national transformation.

“I wish to state unequivocally that the expectation of government and the Nigerian public is for FUTA to continue to be a model for other universities.

“Let me commend the leadership of the university under Professor Adebiyi Daramola.

“I have carefully monitored the university’s rate of development and transformation in the last three and half years of his assumption of office as Vice-Chancellor.

“I have noted with keen interest the massive investment in facility, infrastructure upgrade, and a tremendous improvement on teaching and learning environment.

“I am aware of the current collaborations with some American, German and South African universities involving staff and students’ exchange.

“I am also not unaware of FUTA’s rise in global ranking, now coming among best 100 universities in Africa and among the top 10 in Nigeria.”