Herdsmen attacks caused by climate change – Gana

THE Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Lagos, and former Information Minister, Professor Jerry Gana, on Thursday, said the high incidence of violence by herdsmen can be traced to the harsh effects of climate change in the North which has compelled many herdsmen to move further and further from their regions.

Gana who spoke on the final day of the university’s 49th convocation, said the unfavourable climatic condition in the Sahel Belt can be reversed if water is channelled to Lake Chad from Nigeria, Cameroun, Niger, and Chad.

He also called for a review of the nation’s current federal structure, noting that emphasis should be laid on creating a structure that can give rise to rapid development.

He said, “I appeal to the Federal Government to seek sustainable ways of ensuring that Nigerians continue to live in peace and harmony as citizens of Nigeria. As our constitution clearly provides the security and welfare of the people is the primary purpose of government.

“While we pray the Federal Government for the restoration of peace in the North East, we realise that tension has risen in several other parts of Nigeria with agitations here and there. To greatly promote peace and stability in Nigeria, I believe we should have the courage to correct some fundamental defects in our federal system. If the truth must be told, all is not well with the structure and related devolution of powers in our federation. To function well, a federation must be a balanced and equitable structure.”

Meanwhile, the Federal Government will commence the replacement of council members of all federal universities; most whom are expected to complete their tenures in February.

This was disclosed by the visitor to the university, President Muhammadu Buhari, represented by the executive secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Adamu Abubakar Rasheed.

He said, “It is worrisome that some universities are still not demonstrating adequate capacity to funds utilisation despite the increased spending of our higher institutions. I have been informed that some universities still find it difficult to access funds from the TETFUND because they have not shown adequate commitment for meeting the requirements for the release of such funds. I was informed of some problems regarding the utilisation of the Needs Assessments funds for the reorganisation of the Nigerian university system while some universities have not been able to meet the requirements for further release of funds. Yet, they keep ask for more money.”

The Chancellor of the University and Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi; the popular poet, Professor J. P Clark; and a retired Professor of Engineering, Ayo Ogunye, were conferred honorary doctorate degrees during the ceremony.