*Photo L-R: Tinubu, Shettima*
The Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State Owned Universities in Nigeria (COPSUN) has congratulated President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President-elect, Senator Kashim Shettima on their election victory.
COPSUN’s congratulatory message was contained in a communique issued at the end of its 59th Quarterly Meeting held at the Committee of Vice-Chancellors’ Conference Center, Abuja.
Reviewing the current state of the Nation particularly the General Elections among other issues, COPSUN in the communique signed by its Secretary, Mr. Marcus Awobifa wishes both Tinubu and Shettima the best of luck and prayed for their successful tenure in office.
The Committee appeals to all political gladiators, especially other Presidential candidates to eschew violence or any act or pronouncement that can excerbate or heighten tension in the land.
“We must remember that it is only when the country exists that anyone may aspire to the highest office of the Nation. COPSUN enjoins Politicians to take advantage of well-established processes, procedures and institutions which our laws have put in place to address all perceived grievances that the last Presidential Election might throw up,” the Committee said.
While noting that the Country is in a Political transition with impending change of guards at both the Federal and State levels, COPSUN said this period calls for sober reflection, cooperation and unity of the various segments, peoples and institutions of our great Nation.
It stressed that “A united Nigeria is a veritable world power in the nearest future while a fractionalized country is an easy prey for our adversaries. COPSUN therefore appeals to all and sundry to stop any act that might put the Nation asunder. “It is befitting to continue to have a united Nigeria.”
The Committee revisited the question of the autonomy of Universities in the country and once again called on “all relevant governments and authorities to respect and uphold the autonomy of the Universities as set in their enabling laws. “
It added that “The Committee views with concern the unhealthy practice of organs and officials of the Federal Government passing instructions and directives to State Universities without regard to their ownership structures and extant laws. Many of the domestic issues that fall within the competence of the State Universities Councils and Senate should be left to these organs to execute. “